San Francisco Bay Times - January 12, 2023

Finding Your Place of Love, Hope, and Dreams

Reimagining Gayborhoods and Home

Home is the starting place of love, hope, and dreams. It is a feeling and not necessarily a physical location, but finding a place to live that can offer you comfort and community may benefit everything from your health to your ability to achieve personal goals to enhancing your overall quality of life. Have you found your ideal home yet? If not, 2023 could present that opportunity. A nurturing home environment is all the more important for those of us in the LGBTQ community who might not otherwise feel fully accepted at work and in other social environments.

Real Estate in 2023

“Gayborhoods” like the Castro, Guerneville in Sonoma County, and the Tower District in Fresno will hold longstanding appeal for many over the long term. Thinking beyond such known destinations may also be a necessity due to cost considerations, your particular needs, and other factors.

Sometimes areas have a very large LGBTQ population and yet are not labeled as such. Parts of Montclair in Oakland and neighborhoods around Park Boulevard, also in the East Bay city, can feel like lesbian central on Farmers’ Market days and at certain other hubs, for example.

For those who are on a quest to find a better home, we present guidance from some of Northern California’s leading LGBTQ realtors and allies, along with community members who enjoy where they live. It is important that you not feel trapped in your present situation, despite how overwhelming financial and other limitations may seem.

So, with the new year well underway, do not forget what may be the most important resolution of all. It will require more than the proverbial Wizard of Oz heel clicks to pursue, but once you succeed, there’s truly no place like home.

Last year’s housing market was defined by two key things: inflation and rapidly rising mortgage rates.

The Federal Reserve’s efforts to lower inflation by raising interest rates has caused mortgage rates to more than double – something that’s never happened before in a calendar year. This had a cascading impact on buyer activity, the balance between supply and demand and ultimately home prices. With all these changes some buyers and sellers put their plans on hold and decided to wait until the market feels a bit more predictable.

But what does that mean for the market in 2023?

It appears that the Fed’s efforts have had a small effect on inflation and if that holds, it is likely that they will slow down increasing the base interest rate and we will see an easing off of mortgage rates. From what can be read online, there is an expectation that mortgage rates will decrease as the year progresses but maybe only about a half point lower. There will be a lot of volatility around mortgage rates. So if the Fed’s efforts lower inflation, we will have lower mortgage rates and this will lead to a stronger housing market.

The median price of single-family homes in 2022 ended up dropping about 10-12% year over year, bringing prices back down to under pre-pandemic numbers. Unit sales have dropped about 30-40% with a corresponding increase in inventory. Buyers have had the opportunity to scrutinize options more, and smart sellers have priced homes to sell. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have increased loan limits on the conforming loans and this will also help buyers succeed in the market.

As in every market, homes with the best locations will do well, bucking market trends. Homes that need work, have challenging floor plans, or are on the fringe of less desirable neighborhoods will offer more opportunities for savvy buyers. It really looks like the trend for the start of 2023 will be a calmer, more buyer friendly market. We are past the big boom of the past two years, and there is an expectation of a more stable market overall with single-family homes still being in the biggest demand.

If you are thinking of selling in this market, you will need to prep your home to appeal to the broadest base of buyers. The strongest buyers are looking for homes that they can just move into; they do not really want to do renovations. Locations that have shops and restaurants close at hand and nearby transportation are the best. You cannot necessarily fix a floorplan issue, but you can, through the use of staging, make a home look more functional and inviting. Also, price your home to sell. Inflated prices will cause a property to linger on the market and cause it to sell below market in the long run.

If you are thinking of buying, get your finances in order. Buyers that are fully underwritten are in the strongest position to succeed. Also, consider taking on projects that others might feel are too much trouble. A home needing new paint, counters or a freshened bath won’t get the same activity and could be an opportunity for a savvy buyer. In all cases, find a realtor who knows their way around the City and has ideas on what can be done to improve the value of a home with the least amount of effort and cost.

As a professional realtor, I am often asked the following questions: "How’s the market?" "Is it a good time to buy or sell?" "What’s going to happen to home values in 2023?"

In order to answer those questions, I have always observed what consumers are doing and saying, listened to economists, consulted articles from industry leaders and used my professional experience, knowledge of market trends, and area sales statistics, to form an educated opinion.

Whilst I don’t have a crystal ball, I do believe that 2023 holds lots of opportunities for both home buyers and sellers.

Buyers can take advantage of less competition and bidding wars; they should indeed “date the rate”and “marry the house” — meaning, take advantage of purchasing now and refinancing later to a lower interest rate, while building wealth through homeownership. They should also be advised, however, that this doesn’t mean current home values or markets are anything like those experienced in 2008, and should be realistic when making an offer for the home that they want.

Home sellers in the Bay Area have experienced very high appreciation over the last couple of years. Many have acquired good equity in their property and therefore can still benefit from selling today. However, sellers should also be made aware that home values are not those of 2021 and early 2022, and therefore, they should be open to fair market value offers and creative buyer financing.

Home values will continue to appreciate in 2023-2024 but at a much smaller percentage rate, and we have seen depreciation in those areas that experienced an overheated market, multiple offers and large overbids.

In conclusion, if you are able to buy or sell now, do so. Don’t wait. Home buyers can benefit from having less competition in the marketplace. Home sellers can benefit from the overall lack of inventory in our area. The Bay Area will always be one of the most desirable places to live and well worth the investment.

http://www.lorrainebrealestate.com Lorraine Bannister Realtor #01119097 Corcoran Icon Properties 650.455.1300

Real Estate in 2023 (continued)

In 2023 I believe the US economy will continue to decline. How will this effect real estate specifically in San Francisco? Since I have been involved in real estate transactions in excess of four decades, I have been through many downturns. If you have the proper perspective, you can always find an opportunity. The opportunity in this year will be for buyer's. There will always be owner's of real estate selling and allowing savvy buyer's to grab up great deals. Even though interest rates have risen about 3 points from 8 months ago, the prices of real estate have dropped more than 3 percent. This trend will most likely last until the end of this year.

Though they sold their home there in late 2020, 'Team Sequoyah' remains a real estate presence in service to the neighbors. It's like the peaceful Marin Headlands of the east bay in that there are tons of bay views from rolling hills and fabulous elements of nature like the hiking trails of Knowland Park. Extremely diverse, Doug and Abe always felt welcomed by the neighbors, many of whom are also LGBTQ, and the home prices are relatively approachable.

Loving the quiet life in the Linda Heights neighborhood of Pinole, James and his husband recently purchased their home in 2021. They love how quaint the city is, but with well established retailers nearby. They find Pinole to have a diverse tapestry of

Now that 2023 is here, many people are probably thinking, "What is going to happen with the housing market this year?" We wish we had a crystal ball as well. What we predict, only time will tell, so here is our forecast for this new year.

In the Bay Area, it will still be a tough market for first-time home buyers as inventory is still very low. Combine that with high-paying competitive tech and finance jobs in the area, and you will still see individuals paying well over asking if the home is the right fit. But then, there are some owners who will not sell if they can't get top dollar; and some homeowners have crazy, low-interest rates and will not want to let that go either.

36 Collingwood Street

Castro Village, Victorian condo, granite kitchen, dining and living rms, bay window, 2 bd, 2 ba, high ceilings, landscaped bkyd, storage rm, 1-car garage. $1,695,000 http://www.vanguardproperties.com

Listed by Jeffrey Ploucher DRE #01248348 Vanguard

political views, cultural and ethnic backgrounds which make them feel very welcome and always "at home."

Matt Detert and his husband Rob came for the weather and stayed for the diversity and representation. They live in lower Maxwell Park in "The Town" and, like most urban dwellers, they love the allure of having boutiques, gyms, yoga studios, hardware stores, organic grocers, restaurants, breweries, bars, and street fairs at their doorstep — all of which are huge draws for their LGBTQ neighbors.

After picking up a few gardening supplies for their urban farm (@ vicksburgfarmoakland on Instagram) at Laurel Ace Hardware, they’ll stop for a beer and a bite at Degrees Plato, picked up a gift for someone special at Mischief and then swing by Farmer Joe’s for the weekend’s fresh veggies!

Doug Sager, The Grubb Co. Realtors, #01864687 http://www.dousager.com

There are buyers who have been looking for the past couple of years to no avail but are continue their search seeking to create equity. And, there are buyers who are just beginning their search. This does leave a small opening for buyers since prices have reduced significantly, especially in the condo and townhouse market. Buyers –those who can digest these high-interest rates at a lower purchase price and can hold out to refinance when rates drop and those who budget well -- will be in great shape. Rates will continue to seesaw up and down. I’m thinking maybe around the 3rd quarter of this year the magical 4% rates might have a chance to make a comeback. 2023 will be the year for savvy and risk-taking buyers to

Happy New Year! It’s a Matter of Attitude

In Case You Missed It

Happy New Year!

During the holidays it occurred to me that wishing people a Happy New Year constitutes the ultimate expression of hope over experience. Past experience has taught us that from impending climate apocalypse to political division and chaos, to the personal challenges each of us faces, there is always darned good reason to worry about what might happen in the year to come. Bad things are always going to happen; we don’t have a choice in the matter. But we do have a choice in how we deal with it. So, let’s choose hope. Let’s choose to take positive actions to make things better for everyone. Let’s choose kindness. And let’s choose joy. Happy New Year!

Preparing for the Worst

We are living in dangerous times. And, frankly, writing about the insanity going on around us can be hard. But these are conversations that must be had, so here goes.

I grew up in the Cold War era. In elementary school, my generation practiced duck-and-cover drills in case of a nuclear attack – which, fortunately, never happened. But my eight-year-old great nephew has grown up practicing active shooter drills, because these attacks do happen, all too frequently, in our gunaddicted country: in schools, places of worship, theatres, supermarkets –and in nightclubs that were created as save havens for LGBTQ+ folks.

The deadly shootings at Club Q in Colorado, at Pulse Nightclub in Orlando in 2016, as well as the escalating threats against the LGBTQ+ community across the country, have increased awareness of the need for preparedness in case of an attack.

In the face of such threats, community groups Castro Community on Patrol and Community Patrol Services have been working on ways to help prepare and empower people in San Francisco. On December 21 they presented a free Active Shooter Workshop for the owners and managers of queer nightclubs, bars, and other businesses by providing skills and strategies to help prepare and defend in case of an attack.

CCOP and CPS are also engaging with San Francisco agencies to develop an ongoing framework for long-term planning and prevention methods, and will be holding public-facing events, including a popular Basic Self-Defense workshop.

According to co-organizer Ken Craig of CCOP, the long-term goal is to establish a Community Safety Plan program to engage all members of the LGBTQ+ community in raising awareness, preparedness, responding effectively to any incident, and resiliency in post-incident recovery and aftermath navigation. This Community Safety Plan program will leverage the federal, state, and local resources who supported this initial class, to host future classes and provide support, assistance, training, and guidance to all program members into the future.

They also plan to host trainings for members of the general public, including an “Active Shooter” class, as well as their popular “Community Self-Defense” basic classes.

As dates and locations are finalized, they will be listed in this column. Stay tuned for updates.

I wish I didn’t have to write about such things. But we need to be prepared to protect each other, and stay safe.

And While We’re on the Subject…

Also on the front lines of this same issue: the good folks at Drag Queen Story Hour. Their December email put some sad statistics right up front: • 124 anti-drag attacks in the US in 2022

• 9 drag bans proposed in 2022

• High schoolers hear 26 antiLGBTQ slurs per day

In today’s superheated political climate conservative extremists are targeting LGBTQ+ folks, and especially drag performers, by labeling them as “groomers” and “pedophiles,” spreading disinformation and sowing hate and fear everywhere they can. And they don’t stop there: they target allies as well, especially librarians, teachers, school board members, medical professionals, lawmakers, and basically anyone who dares to treat LGBTQ+ people with compassion, dignity, and humanity.

February 11

Project Nunway is one of the most wildly fun and creative events of the year, because it is created by and for those wildly fun and creative folks, the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. Designers are paired with Sisters to create a high fashion look from recycled materials. All proceeds support the Sisters’ Grant Fund. Link for tickets coming soon.

About 25 people attended this preliminary event, presented in coordination with local agencies including the San Francisco Police Department, San Francisco Fire Department, Department of Emergency Services, and the District Attorney’s office to ensure the material would be current and accurate.

The class included establishing policies and protocols within organizations to help identify and prevent individuals who have violent intentions.

Where is this all going? Historical precedent is not comforting, as anyone who has studied Nazi Germany can tell you. But in the meantime, we all owe profound thanks to every performer brave enough to put on a wig and sequined stilettos, to every librarian brave enough to defy book bans in their town, to every teacher who insists on teaching actual facts instead of sanitized lies, to every lawmaker who stands up to the haters to fight for equality for all of their constituents.

We have work to do, friends. Let’s roll up our sleeves and get to work.

Save the Dates

More information coming soon, but in the meantime, here are some events worth putting on your calendar for February:

https://tinyurl.com/Coronation58

February 17–21

Creating Change, the National LGBTQ Task Force’s annual conference is coming to San Francisco. This is the nation’s largest gathering of LGBTQ+ community activists and leaders. Over 3500 attendees are expected for this muchanticipated event.

https://tinyurl.com/Change2023

About All Those Emails… Remember all those emails you received in December warning you it was your “Last Chance” to support your favorite causes? Guess what: Nonprofits need your support every bit as much – and even more –in January than in December. Forget the annoying emails, and do what you can to support the causes you believe in. These are the folks working hard every day to protect your rights, the environment, our democracy, and everything else we hold dear. And if you can, sign up to be a monthly donor; even small amounts ever month make a big difference. Happy New Year, and remember to choose hope, kindness and joy.

Joanie Juster is a long-time community volunteer, activist, and ally.

Hello Again

We are done with Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years, which means winter is almost in the rear view mirror and spring lies around the corner. I always feel a little sad when the drug store starts selling plastic pumpkins in early September and a little relieved when the valentines arrive. Oh. I was just reminded of some of the inane commercials and radio ads geared to clueless men who don’t know what to do for Valentine’s Day, suggesting they buy giant teddy bears or pajama grams. Hey Guys. Here’s a lesbian pro-tip: Gifts like these are neither romantic nor sexy. They are infantilizing. Just get the damned roses or take her out to dinner. Better yet, pick up a nice bottle of Champagne. (My wife reads this column.)

It’s been a month or so since I’ve written to you, and I’m aware of five significant transgender court rulings. Who knows how many have escaped me, but let’s just agree that five is enough for now.

The Protect Marriage Act hit Biden’s desk, as expected. And the High Court heard arguments in the case of Colorado web designer Lorie Smith, who wants the green light to ignore the state’s civil rights law and reject gay wedding clients. I have low hopes for the outcome of this case, which will be announced in a few months.

In late December, the absurd Log Cabin (gay) Republicans had an event at Mar-A-Lago, where Trump told them: “We are fighting for the gay community, and we are fighting and fighting hard. With the help of many of the people here tonight in recent years, our movement has

taken incredible strides, the strides you’ve made here is incredible.”

I thought the Log Cabin guys hit bottom a long time ago, but they seem to be digging into the bedrock for new lows. The notion that Trump, who presided over the most antiGLBT administration in history, is an ally of our community is beyond ludicrous. That said, I don’t think Trump is particularly antigay at heart any more than I think he is an evangelic Christian. He simply used the far right as a power base, and allowed them to take a jack hammer to our civil rights throughout the federal system.

And before we start on the news, I just saw that Shaq O’Neal said he would eat a horned frog if Georgia beat TCU in the NCAA national football championship. Considering that Georgia won by the score of 65-7, I’d say he might have to eat two or three frogs in order to live up to the spirit of his pledge. I’ll be curious to see if these were idle words.

Paging Britbox!

I know I should jump right into the transgender court cases, but first I must tell you about the latest insane British lesbian, this one a vicar from a small town in the west midlands. As a hint for you, I reminded myself of the details by googling “drunk lesbian vicar,” and sure enough, there she was in a Daily Mail headline that reads:

“Lesbian vicar ‘punched and bit her female partner in drunken lovers’ spat after necking glass of wine in lockdown.’”

The partner, “Miss Shaw,” said that Michelle Bailey, 54, became “agitated” after they shared a bottle of

wine. She began pacing their rented bungalow, attacked and bit Miss Shaw, and deliberately broke Shaw’s glasses before punching her in a sustained assault. This happened in March and I guess the lockdown refers to Covid restrictions.

But wait! There’s more. Back in 2009, as the Daily Mail tells us: “The mother-of-three previously hit the headlines in her former parish in Stewkley, Buckinghamshire, after leaving her husband for a female bullbreeder. In a blistering sermon she likened her parishioners to a ‘nest of vipers’ and accused them of breaking up her marriage with ‘poisonous’ gossip.” The bull breeder subsequently got together with the vicar’s ex-husband, and then committed suicide.

Somehow, Bailey got herself another post in the church after that, perhaps by using her maiden name, it’s not clear. Last month, she quit her position before the investigation into the row with Miss Shaw could be completed. She has reportedly spent the last nine months picking up women on dating sites, inviting them over and getting into drunken fights that have led to two police interventions.

According to the Daily Mail, “she is understood to have gone traveling in a camper-van.” Of course she has! A violent alcoholic nutcase is careening around the British countryside in an RV looking to pick up women in bars. What could go wrong?

Good News, Bad News

Let’s start with the biggest case. The full bench of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit ruled, 7-4, that public schools have the right to isolate transgender students in single-sex bathrooms, despite the anti-discrimination lan-

guage in Title IX. The case involves a boy, Drew Adams, who transitioned as a child and has lived as male for many years.

This ruling is in direct conflict with two other fairly recent appellate court decisions, the Fourth Circuit’s (second) victory for Gavin Grimm in 2020, and the Seventh Circuit’s ruling in favor of Ash Whitaker in 2017. In 2021, the High Court declined to hear the right wing appeal of the Grimm case, although Justices Thomas and Alito had voted in favor of a review. That was encouraging, but now that we have a full court ruling in the other direction, who knows what the Supremes will do?

We also saw two rulings on the question of whether religious medical groups can refuse to treat transsexual patients by ignoring the antidiscrimination language in section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act.

In early December, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit upheld an injunction in favor of a collection of plaintiffs including the Religious Sisters of Mercy, the Catholic Charities of North Dakota, the Catholic Medical Association, and the State of North Dakota. The injunction applies only to the U.S. government, protecting these and other groups from crackdowns by Health and Human Services during the scope of the lawsuit. Still, who else would have the legal muscle to contest anti-trans actions? This case also suspended the authority of the Equal Employment and Opportunity Agency to force employers to cover health insurance for transgender staff.

The other transgender health case was handed down January 6, by a federal court that ruled in favor of

transman, Jesse Hammons, who was denied a hysterectomy by the St. Joseph Medical Center, a Catholic hospital that operates as part of the University of Maryland. U.S. District Court Judge Deborah Chasanow, ruled that Hammons was entitled to equal treatment under Title IX, as well as the aforementioned ACA’s Section 1557, and that the institution was a state-run entity, given its ties to the university.

Obviously, the Eighth Circuit case is more consequential, given that the 12 appellate circuit courts are just one rung down from the Supreme Court. But there is more such litigation set to rumble towards the justices in due time; litigation that falls outside our self-imposed file-case limit for this column.

Two other trans cases involve transwomen in sports, one a victory at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, which upheld Connecticut’s transgender anti-discrimination policies against an assault by the Alliance Defending Freedom. Second, a thumbs down for our side from a federal judge in West Virginia who upheld the state’s recently passed law against transgender participation in school athletics. Just as we noted in the health cases, there are numerous other lawsuits involving trans-women athletes, so these cases are just two in an developing story. Still, it’s nice to have an appellate court ruling on our side.

So what does this all mean? Let me confess that after years of covering every nuance in every marriage equality case, I have long since lost track of the strings of many transgender lawsuits, in part because there

California Leads The Fight on Forever Chemicals

I felt compelled to start tackling PFAS in 2017 when Clean Water Action and the Environmental Working Group presented the issue to me. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to move that first effort forward, but San Francisco’s Department of Environment addressed the issue locally in 2018. Finally, as AB 1200 went through the state’s legislative process, people became more aware – even angry - about this growing nuisance. Our debates on my bill sparked momentum and even more conversations nationwide about how to reduce our exposure to PFAS. In many cases, other jurisdictions have intervened to reign in PFAS use.

The to-go packaging that contains your burger, fries, or other prepared food items is now safer. That’s because my bill AB 1200 took effect this month, banning PFAS, or perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, from those wrappers and boxes, which are used to keep grease and other liquids from leaking out. But when PFAS come into contact with our food, we have been ingesting them.

PFAS are a class of roughly 9,000 man-made chemicals linked to a host of health problems that include cancer, hormone disruption, thyroid disease, and vaccine interference. In addition, when the food waste and packaging end up as litter, the harmful substances also end up in the environment. Either way, they take a long time to break down, making them persistent in our bodies and surroundings. That’s why PFAS are often referred to as “forever chemicals.” Companies must now use safer alternatives, as required by my legislation.

The most significant response has come from 3M, one of the biggest producers of PFAS. The company recently announced it will stop making forever chemicals by the end of 2025. The news is both exciting and a relief. I sought public office because I wanted to bring about change and improve the lives of Californians. For a big conglomerate to alter its behavior – one that’ll impact profits by $1.3 billion to $2.3 billion – is remarkable. Their decision has the potential to have rippling impact on products.

While I support 3M’s move, I applaud companies that don’t wait for regulations to do the right thing. Even before AB 1200 took effect, for example, McDonalds, Taco Bell, Chipotle, Panera Bread, Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s were already phasing out PFAS-laced wrappers, boxes and the like, or have pledged to do so. And such commitments for large users of food packaging likely contributed to 3M’s decision.

Further pushing the nail into the PFAS coffin is my bill from last year, AB 1817, a follow-up to AB 1200.

California becomes the first state to ban the use of PFAS in fabrics, which are added to things like upholstery and clothing to make them stain resistant. They also make outdoor gear, like raincoats and hiking boots water repellent.

Again, there are safer alternatives available right now that work equally well. New York is also following our lead, banning PFAS in clothing. Our law won’t take effect until 2025, but it can’t start soon enough. A recent study by the Green Science Policy

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Oakland City Council Ushers In a New Era of Leadership

Out of the Closet and into City Hall

Oakland City Councilmember At-Large, Rebecca Kaplan

This January, Oakland has the opportunity to welcome two new members to our City Council, and strengthen community-focused leadership, with the inauguration of Councilmember Janani Ramachandran, who represents District 4, and Councilmember Kevin Jenkins, who represents District 6. I offer my congratulations to both of these bright, dedicated leaders who are now part of Oakland’s leadership. Although our city, and many others, face challenges, these individuals, along with the existing Council and City staff, are prepared for the task.

Councilmember Janani Ramachandran joins the Council bringing her history as a public interest attorney with progressive values who has dedicated her life to empowering communities and fighting for responsive, accountable govern-

ments. Born and raised in the East Bay, Janani is the daughter of immigrants from a small South Indian village. She identifies as LGBTQ. She attended Stanford University, where she studied political theory, systems of democratic governance, and economic development. She was driven to make a difference as a lawyer and attended Berkeley Law School. Janani’s fearlessness in fighting for Oakland starts with seven key policy principles: Responsive Leadership, Public Safety, Fire Safety, Clean Streets and Flourishing Parks, Homelessness, Affordable Housing, and Thriving Small Businesses. I look forward to working with Councilmember Ramanchandran as the Council makes important policy decisions in the coming months,

Councilmember Kevin Jenkins comes to the Council with a history of dedication to meaningful solutions for public safety and education. Prior to the election, Jenkins served on the Peralta Community College District Board of Trustees, which he was elected to in 2020. He’s also president of the California Association of Black School Educators and he previously was a member of the Alameda County Public Health Commission. Born and raised in East Oakland, Jenkins graduated from Oakland High School and attended Laney College and College of Alameda. He graduated from San Francisco State University with a Bachelor’s in urban studies and planning and later earned a master’s degree in public administration from California State University, East Bay. Councilmember Jenkins will turn his attention to working with Attorney General Bonta to reduce the number of illegal guns on Oakland streets. He will also work to increase the collaboration between Alameda County and the City of Oakland improve access to affordable housing and homelessness prevention resources.

(continued on page 18)

Harnessing “Double Gender” Power in the New Year

final stroke occurring at the moment of midnight to usher in the new year. Hatsumode or first temple visits ensue on the initial days of January in the hope of well-being and good fortune for the year to come. These traditions have been observed for over a thousand years and remain relevant for many people today.

6/26 and Beyond

Happy New Year 2023! In Japan, that means marking the beginning of the Year of the Rabbit with celebrations, gatherings of family and friends, and traditions lasting for days. On New Year’s Eve, the temple bell is rung a symbolic 108 times based on Buddhist custom, with the

Indeed, Japan has a long history dating back many centuries, and queerness has been part of Japanese culture from the first time Japan’s myths, legends, and history were recorded in writing in the year 712 in the Kojiki or “Records of Ancient Matters.”

The Kojiki recounts the story of a Prince Ousu, who later became known as Yamato Takeru, donning female clothing in order to infiltrate the mansion of two brothers who were his enemies, thus enabling him to slay them both.

Junko Mitsuhashi, the modern transgender writer and researcher on the social history of sexuality, describes the power that Prince Ousu acquired by defying gender norms and wearing female clothing to defeat his enemy as “sublime” and “extraordinary.” Mitsuhashi proclaims it “Double-Gender power.”

Over 1,300 years later as we celebrate the new year, we see young queer Japanese demonstrating their own fearless versions and visions of sublime queer power in the name of love. Mitsuhashi explains that the name Takeru, which Prince Ousu later became known as, means “the brave.”

For young queer Japanese, courage does not mean murdering one’s enemies by sword but prevailing through authenticity and joy.

At a recent LGBTIQ event in Tokyo called “Colorful Blankets,” I had the opportunity to meet young activists who are making change. One of them was a delightful trio of transmen, Asahi, O-Chan, and Masa, known as Mutant Wave. All three are former players in the Nadeshiko Japanese women’s national soccer league, and together as Mutant Wave are educators on LGBTIQ diversity at schools and corpora-

tions and in the Japanese media, as well as YouTube personalities. Their message is bright, positive, and full of hope, and their mode of communication imaginative and creative. Mutant Wave’s message is also not confined to LGBTIQ understanding but a broader message embracing everyone’s inherent selfworth no matter how they may be perceived as different.

Another pair of young activists are Kane and Kotfe, a dynamic gay couple together for 11 years, who speak with authenticity and candor about the struggles they have faced as gay people and whose love for each other and care for others is palpable when you are in their presence. Kane was an Osaka firefighter for 11 years, and Kotfe was a Kyoto police officer for 16 years. They both quit their jobs because of how difficult and exhausting it was for them to be who they were as gay men in their professions.

They now devote their lives to educating people about the lives of LGBTIQ people by intimately sharing their per(continued on page 18)

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WRITeRS

Rink, Sister Dana Van Iquity, Ann Rostow, Patrick Carney, Carolyn Wysinger, Leslie Sbrocco, Heather Freyer, Kate Kendell, Heidi Beeler, Gary M. Kramer, Joanie Juster, Julie Peri, Jennifer Kroot, Robert Holgate, Eduardo Morales, Dennis McMillan, Tim Seelig, John Chen, Rafael Mandelman, Tabitha Parent, Jewelle Gomez, Phil Ting, Rebecca Kaplan, Leslie Katz, Philip Ruth, Bill Lipsky, Elisa Quinzi, Liam Mayclem, Donna Sachet, Gary Virginia, Zoe Dunning, Derek Barnes, Marcy Adelman, Jan Wahl, Stuart Gaffney & John Lewis Brandon Miller, Jamie Leno Zimron, Michele Karlsberg, Randy Coleman, Debra Walker, Howard Steiermann, Andrea Shorter, Lou Fischer, Brett Andrews, David Landis PhOTOgRaPheRS Rink, Phyllis Costa, Sparks, Paul Margolis, Chloe Jackman, Bill Wilson, Jo-Lynn Otto, Sandy Morris, Abby Zimberg, Joanie Juster

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Nuestra Voz

I want to relaunch my column in this new year to acknowledge and honor Latinx people who are making wonderful contributions to our community and our county and city.

Erick Arguello is an exceptional leader whose contributions are numerous and impactful. Forthright and collaborative, he uses his skills and talents to bring together other leaders and concerned citizens for causes that are important to them and to their communities. Notably,

Arguello led the effort to have the South Mission District become the Calle 24, the Latino Cultural District for San Francisco. He united business owners, residents, the San Francisco Latino Historical Society, San Francisco Heritage, community leaders and then Supervisor David Campos in the petition campaign to have the South Mission declared a Latino Cultural District in the City and County of San Francisco.

He also led the formation of Calle 24 Latino Cultural District as a nonprofit organization and is a leader on the organization’s board. His strategy for leading the formation of the Calle 24 Latino Cultural District has been acknowledged as a model for other groups to use.

Auguello has received many awards, including the 2018 San Francisco Tenants Union Community Ally Award, 2014 San Francisco Latino Heritage Award, 2014 Cesar E. Chavez Legacy Award, 2011 KQED Latino Heritage Month Local Hero Award, and in 2008, he was named LGBTQ Individual Community

Grand Marshall for the SF LGBTQ+ Parade.

Since 1994, Arguello has worked and volunteered at AGUILAS, an HIV prevention program currently located in the SF LGBT Center in San Francisco. As AGUILAS Program Director he was credited with having helped develop office policies and procedures; helped maintain the program participant database; initiated and executed agreements among a cross-sector of agencies; and organized community forums on HIV/AIDS funding, support services, and stigma for Latinx people. In 1998, he became the Volunteer Manager at AGUILAS and successfully created the organization’s Volunteer Engagement Program, recruiting over 175 volunteers and producing its policies and procedures.

The policies and procedures he designed were then selected by the Centers for Disease Control as the standard for all south peninsula agencies. Additionally, he published the AGUILAS newsletters and facilitated the volunteer orientations and staff trainings for the agency. In 2008, Arguello became Program Manager at AGUILAS. In that role, he managed the day-to-day operations of the agency ensuring culturally competent programs and protocols that promote health and wellbeing and also foster positive self-identities and healthy relationships among Latinx gay/ bisexual men. As Program Manager he also managed staff and monitored programs to evaluate if they are meeting goals and objectives for HIV/STI testing and the prevention interventions.

In 2019 he accepted a position at GLIDE as Community Engagement and Volunteer Program Manager under the Center for Social Justice. In that role, he has worked closely with other departments to build collaboration, and support systems to integrate and streamline volunteer engagement. He developed and updated internal policies for the agency, conducted outreach and engagement with other service providers and agencies, managed staff and built the data system for implementation and improvements of the volunteer services. In 2020 he was promoted to Engagement Manager at GLIDE representing the organization in over 10 local coalitions and community groups. In this capacity, he has addressed issues around COVID-19, housing, hunger, and water access for the unhoused.

In 2022 he was named Advocacy Manager at GLIDE, and in that

capacity built internal advocacy systems city wide. He provided training to those marginalized in access to housing and land use, and to people of color on lifting the voices of marginalized communities at hearings, marches, and rallies. Through this role he worked with coalition allies to assist and build community power and engagement.

He is a founding member of United to Save the Mission and Our Mission No Eviction, and is a member of the Race and Equity in all Planning Coalition.

Through his mild mannered and collaborative style, Arguello is extremely effective in unifying group members in working together for common causes and achieving impactful outcomes. It was a privilege to work with Arguello while he was at AGUILAS. If you ever have a chance to work and collaborate with him, I am sure you will find the experience quite gratifying and beneficial.

Erick Arguello is truly an asset to all, in the City and County of San Francisco and beyond, through his work for social justice.

Eduardo Morales, Ph.D. is a Professor Emeritus, retired Distinguished Professor, and current adjunct professor at Alliant International University. He is also a licensed psychologist and a founder and current Executive Director of AGUILAS, an awardwinning program for Latinx LGBTQ+. Of Puerto Rican decent, he has received numerous distinguished awards and citations, including being named a Fellow of 12

Being at the White House to witness President Biden sign ing the Respect for Marriage Act bill was truly exhilarating and a milestone moment for our movement. Activists, politicians, lawyers, movement leaders, plaintiffs in watershed cases and allies took part in what was a perfect balance of celebration and political importance.

Senate Leader Chuck Schumer led off the festivities by sharing that his lesbian daughter and her spouse are expecting their first child and how he is looking forward to welcoming his third grandchild. Speaker Nancy Pelosi spoke about the long road that many have traveled together to get to this point with her usual enthusiasm and clarity, praising the activists and allies that have been in the struggle for years.

Vice President Kamala Harris reflected on her very intimate involvement in the movement dating back to her marrying her best friends at City Hall in 2004, to her tenure as Attorney General for California advocating for marriage equality during the Prop 8 case. President Biden acknowledged how he “got in trouble” as VP in 2012 with his remarks supporting marriage equality prior to then President Obama’s evolution of his stance on marriage equality. President Biden went on to clarify that his support has always been rooted in the concept that “Love is Love” and that being able

to marry the person one loves should not be a political decision, but a deeply personal one.

Cindy Lauper, Sam Smith and the Washington, DC Gay Men’s Chorus performed for the crowd adding fun, nostalgia, and levity. All in all, it was a joyous celebration and a moment in history that many thought would never come.

The passage of this bill is monumental for the LBGTQ community. Marriage equality has been politicized for decades, and people’s rights and security were in abeyance for years as the courts struggled to decide if same-sex couples should have the right to marry with the benefits that flow from recognition of legal unions. Many people flocked to San Francisco in 2004 to be married, only to find out that their marriages were declared invalid. Others who married in Massachusetts, or Canada and other states, were understandably disappointed to learn that

they did not have the same rights as their neighbors. Those who married in California in 2008 had a sixmonth window before marriage was no longer possible. Federal recognition was elusive and tax benefits, social security and Medicare benefits were limited if at all. Even worse, during the time when the only option for relationship recognition was Civil Union or Domestic Partnership, couples were recognized by their states as “married” and not recognized by the Federal government necessitating three tax returns each year.

Supervisor Rafael Mandelman’s Swearing In Ceremony

A

Speakers included Openhouse executive director Dr. Kathleen Sullivan and Rabbi Mychal Copeland of Congregation Sha’ar Zahav, and San Francisco School Board president Jenny Lam. EQUA’s Tom Tempranco, formerly a member of Supervisor Mandelman’s staff, coordinated the event. Additional notable guests included former Mayor Willie Brown, Police Chief William “Bill” Scott and others.

Members of the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus performed the signature “Theme from San Francisco” anthem and other songs, under the direction of conductor Jacob Stensberg.

Brand new year! Brand new issue of SF Bay Times ! And brand new Donna’s Chronicles column! Time for some thoughtful reflection, candid evaluation, and resolute planning!

Who surrounds us? What may we be missing about the here and now?

Second, face change resolutely, but with a positive outlook. Yes, San Francisco has changed since 1990 when we first arrived, but focus on the positive changes and where the changes seem overwhelmingly negative, become a part of the solution. Are we supporting the efforts of any charitable organization with our volunteer hours, our financial donations, or our advocacy? When we discuss unwelcome changes with others, do we deplore them, rehashing the popular tropes and stigmatizing segments of the population or are we exploring solutions, offering our help, and looking for realistic measures? As Margaret Mead said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”

And third, are we playing an active role in our own happiness? The majority of so-called New Year’s resolutions can be boiled down to this: “I want to be happy.” Spend time reflecting what happiness means to you and then make plans to reach it, incrementally over a realistic period of time and facing the very real fact that trade-offs are necessary. And don’t let others determine for you what happiness means. Do you really want to look like the models on the covers of magazines? Do you really aspire to that cookie-cutter romance and/or white picket fence home life so tirelessly touted by the media? Are you willing to make the sacrifices necessary? Or can you find happiness surrounded by the love of friends and/or family? Is your happiness truly so far away or have you lost sight of just how much you have and how fortunate you are? Do you actually think that you will go to sleep one night and wake up the next day with the happiness you envisioned? The pursuit of happiness is not a spectator sport, but a daily, active, balanced journey, celebrating small victories along the way.

With those inevitabilities confidently in mind and focused on a loose, but well-thought-out course of action, we hope to cross paths with many of our readers in the days and weeks to come. Don’t be afraid to step back from unproductive activities or people who are not the best influences in your life. Pursue those activities from which you derive the most satisfaction and surround yourself with people who have proven themselves to be true friends or from whom you may learn valuable lessons. Don’t fall into the trap of idly dreaming for things that the world tells you will bring you happiness, but seek a happiness that is defined by your own heart. Determine to savor moments of happiness, whether they be volunteering to help others, treating yourself to an occasional treat, or relishing a conversation, an experience, or a decision. And never let go of you own steering wheel. Granted, there are many things far beyond our control, many of them perceived as punitive, but more likely simply the random injustices of life. But hold that steering wheel firmly, knowing that how you respond to people, events, and the details of life is far more important than anything else. Recognize that there is much we cannot control, i.e. the passage of time, the inevitability of change, and the actions of others, but so many of the impediments to our own happiness are within our control because we can choose how to react and how deeply we are affected by them.

After a few years of alarmingly negative events, from the pandemic and continued civil injustice to political extremism and economic upheaval, may 2023 be a year of welcome change, of personal growth, and steps, no matter how few or how small, closer to true happiness!

Donna Sachet is a celebrated performer, fundraiser, activist, and philanthropist who has dedicated over two decades to the LGBTQ Community in San Francisco. Contact her at empsachet@gmail.com

Sunday, January 15

Sunday, January 15

“The time is always right to do what is right.”

– Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

So Many Closets

TLC: Tears, Laughs and Conversation

Two Disclaimers:

1. This is not my usual rollicking romp through life’s events.

2. I am not a trained “psy” anything … psychologist, psychiatrist, psychoanalyst, psychotherapist. People call me “Dr. Tim”–but I can only “play doctor” with musical things. All observations are my own and based only on my own life experiences.

When we have made the huge leap coming out of our sexual orientation closet, we assume we’re done. Whew! We pick ourselves up, tend to the bruises and look around the house that is our life. Only then do we realize there are other closets to open and turn the light on.

The entire world was shaken by the tragic death of Stephen Laurel “tWitch” Boss. I had two reactions. The first was shared by the world: heartbroken. The second was perhaps just mine: anger. I wasn’t

angry at tWitch. I was and am angry at the self-righteous people pontificating about suicide being “the most selfish act someone can commit.” Beliefs like these can only be held by someone who has never been to the edge. They have obviously not walked through the valley of the shadow themselves or with someone they’ve loved.

Some of my dearest friends and family have ended their own lives, either accidentally or deliberately. We’ll never know which. When you get to the edge, you can either slip and fall, or jump. I lost many during the AIDS pandemic when diagnosis was considered a death sentence.

tWitch’s loss made me peer into one of my own closets where the door was open just a crack. I wrote about this in my memoir but have not shared it here. I have been on the precipice myself – more than once.

The first instances were in the years leading up to my coming out. Other times happened in more recent years. I’m not an authority on suicide, but I know my own experience. As skewed as it may be, that moment feels selfless. “Exit stage left” seems the best thing to do.

These are the thoughts I had:

1 My family and friends would be better off without me.

2. In time, my exit will have little effect on anyone.

3. Continuing like this will hurt people more.

4. My darkest secrets can remain behind closet doors.

5. The pain is just too much to bear.

I understand this makes no sense if you have not been there. I hear peo -

ple ask, “Why are you depressed?” There is no answer to that question just as there is no answer to the questions about tWitch. “How could he, of all people, do this? He’s so talented. He has money and a family. He had everything.”

Self-destructive thoughts are not respecters of person or position. Rich, poor, single, familied, talented, not so talented, gay, straight, not so straight. It can happen to any of us and is happening to more people than we know.

In social media and life, we show only the pretty parts of our lives. We show the mountaintops, the smiles and laughter. In recent months, a few brave souls have dared share struggles on Facebook. It is often met with “Girl, this isn’t the place.” Then where? Facebook and other platforms have become

our community, our therapists, our churches.

My experience is that church wasn’t an answer. “Nobody knows the trouble I’ve seen” because I’ve learned to hide them. Years ago, a prominent family left our church to join another. When asked why, they said, “At that church we know everyone has problems, but they just don’t talk about them.” Catholics don’t help by proclaiming suicide as a mortal sin. Not only do you die when you kill yourself, but you can never be forgiven and will end up in eternal fires (with a lot of us). The one place I believe has this soul-baring sharing without judgement is the sober community. Countless lives have been saved by these brave, open, loving souls.

Each retreat from the edge has been different for me. Once it was someone’s arms. Other times it was thoughts of watching my Grand girls grow up. Sometimes, the work ethic installed by my German father screamed, “You can’t do this.

You didn’t clean your room!” There has never been a burning bush with a deep voice and lots of reverb saying, “What the hell are you thinking?” I believe the suicide closet may be the darkest of all. I am so grateful to friends, family and amazing therapists who have helped me open the door and turn the light on. They have also reminded me at every step that there is so much to live for including their love and devotion.

What can we do as friends and family?

1. Listen more than talk

2. Let go of judgment and assumptions

3. Learn everything we can about mental health, depression, and suicide

4.

Love without bounds

The most important thing any of us can do is simply be there to offer an arm or shoulder - physical or emotional - to help pull someone back if they start to slip. Knowing you are there, confirms that the light at the end of the tunnel is not an oncoming train, but someone you love holding a light to show the way.

For those of you who resonate with my experience, the best advice I can give you is to open your closet door, let the light and people who love you in. There is no shame here. I promise that when they get to know this part of you, they’ll love you even more. Once you have this one open, others will get easier!

R.I.P., tWitch. In life, you entertained us beyond your and our wildest imagination. In death you are still teaching us countless important lessons as well.

If you get to the edge and are alone, use the phone number below.

The National Suicide Hotline (988) Dr. Tim Seelig is the Conductor Laureate of the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus. http://www.timseelig.com/

Community Treasures

from the GLBT Historical Society Archives

The Women’s Building Mural - Maestrapeace

When objects evoke strong feelings and reactions, we gather, document and safeguard them. Passed from hand-to-hand, generation-to-generation, they accumulate layers of meaning: glamorous triumphs, terrible losses, romantic encounters, epic adventures, fleeting moments of connection, and hard-won achievements. Every piece reveals stories both personal and collective. For more than 35 years, the GLBT Historical Society has worked to diligently collect objects that document the personal and collective stories of diverse LGBTQ communities. Today, we preserve more than 1,000 individual archival collections that reveal a vast array of LGBTQ life, history and culture. From drag outfits and massive flags, to deeply personal diaries and correspondence, to organizational records, historic bar signs, ephemera, and more, our archival holdings make up one of the largest collections of LGBTQ historical materials ever assembled.

The objects in our archives represent our community’s treasures, and throughout the year, we will be sharing selected pieces from our collections in the pages of the San Francisco Bay Times. We have even more historic artifacts on display at our museum, at 4127 18th Street in the Castro District, including selections from icons like Harvey Milk, José Sarria, Phyllis Lyon & Del Martin; ephemera from numerous historic queer spaces and events; and the only known remnant of the original rainbow flags from 1978. Our archives, located downtown at 989 Market Street, contain thousands more pieces and are open to researchers by appointment. To book a visit to our archives or museum, or to make a contribution to support our work, visit glbthistory.org.

The first pieces we have selected to share are beautiful architectural drawings, showing the initial plans for Maestrapeace, a nationally acclaimed mural that adorns the San Francisco Women’s Building on 18th Street in the Mission District. The mural was designed and painted by Maestrapeace Artworks, an arts organization composed of seven women muralists: Juana Alicia, Miranda Bergman, Edythe Boone, Susan Kelk Cervantes, Meera Desai, Yvonne Littleton, and Irene Perez. The piece honors the history of women’s contributions to societies worldwide and honors both famous and unsung women. The mural was painted in 1994, and these plans show how the muralists conceived and brought their vision to life.

This archival piece is part of the Maestrapeace Artworks Records (collection no. 2008-50), held by the GLBT Historical Society, which documents the planning and execution of this incredible work of art. The society also holds an archival collection preserving the organizational records of the San Francisco Women’s Centers/ Women’s Building from 1972 to 2001, providing a comprehensive look at second-wave feminism in the city.

The Society maintains a strong commitment to documenting the diverse lives of LGBTQ communities and is especially interested in receiving and preserving archival collections that focus on the intersectional experiences of women, people of color, transgender and nonbinary people. If you have materials such as these and are interested in donating them, please consider contacting our archives staff at reference@glbthistory.org.

Institute found high concentrations of PFAS in school uniforms sold in the United States and Canada. This is concerning because children wear them for about eight hours a day, absorbing the chemicals through their skin. I hope manufacturers see they don’t have to wait two years to make their products safer today.

As I put together my legislative agenda for this year, I am looking at more ways to end the use of PFAS. We must get these awful chemicals away from us as much as possible before even more damage to our health and environment is done.

Phil Ting represents the 19th Assembly District, which includes the Westside of San Francisco and portions of South San Francisco along with the communities of Broadmoor, Colma, and Daly City.

KAPLAN (continued from pg 8)

I congratulate these two new council members as the City of Oakland embarks upon this new era of leadership. I look forward to working with them and the sitting council members, along with the City staff, as we tackle the issues facing Oakland with leadership, commitment and dedication.

Councilmember At-Large and Council President Rebecca Kaplan, who is the Vice Mayor of Oakland, was elected in 2008 to serve as Oakland’s citywide Councilmember; she was re-elected in 2016 and 2020. She also serves on the Alameda County Transportation Commission (ACTC). Follow Councilmember Kaplan on Twitter @Kaplan4Oakland ( https://tinyurl.com/2p974fmk ) and Facebook ( https://tinyurl.com/34c3zkrv )

KINNEY (continued from pg 13)

But as of the signing on December 13, 2022, same sex couples are guaranteed federal recognition and some additional protections. The Respect for Marriage Act provides that same sex married couples will be afforded the same protections as their hetero married neighbors at both the state and national level. Unfortunately, it does not compel states to allow marriages, but does require recognition of a marriage performed in any state. Much like abortion laws, the actual right to marry will be state dependent.

This bill had bipartisan support. Amazingly, but not surprisingly, there was more support by Republicans before the elections in the first hearing of the bill than there was in the final vote. Nonetheless, it has been passed and enacted into law and married couples may rest assured for now that their rights are intact and will not be taken away. For those couples contemplating marriage or hoping someday to find the special person, they too should know that they will have the opportunity to be married.

“It’s one thing for the Supreme Court to rule on a case,” Biden said. “It’s another thing entirely if the elected representatives of the people take a vote on the floor of the United States Congress and say clearly ‘love is love, right is right, justice is justice.’”

With the signing of this historic act, the LGBTQ community solidified their place in American society with the respect and dignity they each deserve - the right to form legal familial relationships that will not be easily challenged in the Courts, nor afforded second class citizenship based upon who they love or who may be in office at any moment. For this we are grateful, relieved, and may we be sure to continue to support our favorite LGBTQ organizations who advocate on our behalf and secure our place in society. The battle has been won, but the war is not over.

are a range of different challenged laws and different issues involved. Although the High Court seemed wary of stepping into trans law when rejecting the Grimm case in 2021, it seems likely that the conservative justices will eventually have their opportunity to screw around in these complex and multi-dimensional conflicts. Religious “freedom,” discrimination and civil rights, bathroom issues, the whole debate on sports, and the possibility of denying health care; some or all of it will come into play.

We also face a barrage of new anti-trans state legislative votes in the 2023 session, where the list of antitrans and anti-gay proposals lengthens too fast to track. We are in for continued battles, both political and judicial, and continued damage to the most vulnerable coalition in the rainbow flag.

Yeshiva Loses Another Appeal

In other legal news, a New York state appellate court told Yeshiva University that, as a publicly funded institution, it cannot ban the YU Pride Alliance student group. You remember this ongoing case that was highlighted late last year when the Supreme Court refused to give Yeshiva a preliminary injunction by a 5-4 vote. Justices Roberts and Kavanaugh agreed that the university was trying an end-around the courts and effectively told them to finish their litigation in New York before trying to hopscotch into Supreme Court territory. Yeshiva promptly banned all student clubs while their legal efforts continue, and now, they will presumably have to appeal their latest loss to the New York Court.

And in other Supreme Court news, the justices have asked the Solicitor General to weigh in on that Charter Day Schools case. That’s the one about the religious charter school in North Carolina that wants to make all the girls wear skirts and act feminine while all the boys act chivalrous and respectful. I forget the details, but after Charter Day Schools lost their case 10-6 before the full bench of the Fourth Circuit, they asked the High Court for review. It sounds as if the Court is interested in taking the case, doesn’t it? Charter Day Schools accept public money, so in theory, they should not be imposing their antiquated gender roles on their students, right? Or am I naive? Surely not.

LEWIS (continued from page 9)

sonal lives through YouTube and social media and in the Japanese national media. They are prominent advocates for marriage equality. Last year, Kane told the Huffington Post, “I want a society where people don’t have to suffer because they are gay, forcibly hide it, or quit their jobs.” He explained further that through their revealing the truth of their lives, he and Kotfe “want to try to see what would happen if we lived freely as we are.” He hoped others would be able to do the same.

At Japanese new year, many of the traditional osechiryori or new year foods hold symbolic meaning of hope for the future: black beans for good health, kelp for happiness, prawns for long life, and herring roe for healthy offspring. A favorite of ours is the lotus root with its many tubular holes through which one can see, symbolizing moving forward gracefully in the new year unhampered by obstacles. The lotus indeed is a central image in Buddhism because from the muddy waters in which its roots lie, a beautiful and radiant flower emerges above the water.

Tick Tock

So what else is new? Did you know that certain colors of M&Ms are female and others are male? I never knew that! I guess the company also ran an image after the marriage equality ruling in 2015 that showed two female candies sitting on a bench and holding hands. The green and brown M&Ms are female, and now they’ve added purple to the category and are offering a feminist package of all-girl candies. I suppose it’s nice, but it’s a bit odd. Plus, I don’t like those colors as much as some others. Why can’t we be red?

The Million Moms are upset with Turbo Tax, after a commercial showed two men walking down the aisle. “Even though homosexuality is unnatural, this advertisement is pushing the LGBTQ agenda,” they squealed. “An even greater concern is that the controversial commercial is airing when children are likely watching television.” I don’t know why, but I love reporting the outrage that emanates from the Million Moms. Their cartoonish primness is a refreshing change from the raw hostility we have to confront in the rest of the news.

And finally, have you read about the “Tikker” watch that counts down how much time you have to live? I guess you fill out some forms about your age, health, habits and so forth and the thing figures out your likely life expectancy. It then ticks down the years, days and hours left to you so you can stop loafing around and start to appreciate being alive.

I can’t imagine anything more disconcerting. Does this company not realize that human beings have an innate fear of death and survive by being able to compartmentalize their mortality and pretend to themselves that life goes on indefinitely?

I’m pretty sure that my personal “Tikker” watch would indicate that I should have been dead for a year or two at least. It will probably just tick forward to tell me how long I’ve managed to survive beyond my natural enddate. I’m not getting one.

arostow@aol.com

This year, our new year’s wishes are for the health and happiness of LGBTIQ people around the world–for the long life of the life of the LGBTIQ community itself and the well-being of queer youth and the children of LGBTIQ people. When we peer through the lotus root, we know that obstacles to equality, dignity, and freedom remain, but with young vibrant activists like Mutant Wave and Kane & Kotfe, we know that the future will be filled with radiance.

Junko Mitsuhashi quotation from “Mystique and Might: Why We Love Cross-Dressing,” in The Power of Clothing: History of Cross-Dressing in Japan (Shito Museum of Art, 2022).

John Lewis and Stuart Gaffney, together for over three decades, were plaintiffs in the California case for equal marriage rights decided by the California Supreme Court in 2008. Their leadership in the grassroots organization Marriage Equality USA contributed in 2015 to making same-sex marriage legal nationwide.

The 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th Royal Houses (1981 - 1984)

Always saying: “Drink til You Drop”

Coronation Theme: Mardi Gras in St. Petersburg

revealed

(1984-1985)

The 12th Royal House of The Mystical Unicorn and The Lavender Lotus

Column Celebrating 50 Years of the Grand Ducal Council of San Francisco

Mr. Lee * Ona who was already a well know community figure. He was an active member of the (GGG) Golden Gate Guards, which grew out of the Tavern Guild project to unite the leather and Drag community through the Imperial Court. The GGG separated in 1987 and established itself as an independent organization. Much like the Guild, many members would serve in a variety of title roles within the Ducal Court. 1983 also marked the beginning of the AIDS epidemic in San Francisco. Seeing a need within the community, Grand Duke Lee and Grand Duchess Kitty Litter held the first fundraiser to benefit an AIDS charity.

When a candidate campaigns to become a Grand Duke or Grand Duchess, there is always a representation of colors that allows voters to know who they are voting for. In most cases, candidates will also have a “catchphrase” and a coronation theme for their step-down. Here is a look back at what those were from 1981-1985:

(1981-1982)

The 9th Royal House of the Royal Lion and the Foxy Bunny.

Grand Duchess IX Vinnie (deceased)

Colors: Green, Blue, and Pink Symbol: Bunny and Fox Always saying: “Get off my train”

Grand Duke VIII Roger Palmer (deceased)

Colors: Blue and White Symbol: Crown and Lion

Always saying “I’m getting toasted. Anyone going to the boot camp?”

Coronation: “The Russian Family in Exile-Paris in the 20’s” (1982-1983)

The 10th Royal House of The Golden Gobbler and the Royal Persian

Grand Duchess X Kitty Litter(deceased)

Colors: Purple and White Symbol: Magic Lamp Always saying: “Really, I’ve seen you at Febe’s”

Grand Duke IX Mr. Lee * Ona(deceased)

Colors: Blue and White Symbol: Top Hat

Colors: unknown Symbol: Harliquin

Grand Duke X Ken Wright

Colors: unknown Symbol: Monarch Butterfly Coronation Theme: “A White

The coronation of Grand Duchess Sable Clown and Grand Duke Ken Wright was touted in The Sentinel newspaper as the best Coronation they’d ever seen. The stage was designed by Jon Scott and featured a revolving floor that was built into the Kabuki Theater’s stage. Completely unplanned at the last minute, the floor spun around and

Grand Duchess XII Trixie Trash(deceased)

Colors: Lavender and Gold Symbol: Lotus Flower

Always saying: “You can take the girl out of the trash”

Grand Duke XI Michael Bowman (deceased)

Colors: Blue and Silver

Symbol: Unicorn Always saying: “Where’s Bruce”

Coronation Theme: “Cossack Capers”

In 1984 HIV and AIDS were in the news and anti-gay attacks were on the rise. Young attackers were common including a trio of teenagers in Maine who only received 40 months for throwing a gay man off a bridge, where he drowned. To make matters worse, the new “HTLV3” test was being implemented but was also being used as a tool to continue discrimination against people who tested Positive. Trixie Trash became aware of her HIV status during her reign, but she never stopped working hard for the organization. In fact, Trixie would be known for renewing the Grand Ducal Council lapsed Trademark, incorporating the organization. This wouldn’t go into effect until 1993, however. Trixie was the 1st Monarch to pass away from complications associated with AIDS. In her memory the Ducal Court created the Trixie Trash Workhorse Award to honor her commitment to service.

Sam

Gravitte: Born for Broadway

His mom and dad are both theatre and TV stars, so is it any surprise that singer/actor Sam Gravitte gravitated towards a life on Broadway? At 27 years young, he’s already played the leading role of Fiyero in Wicked on the Great White Way, the Jimmy Fallon role in Almost Famous at San Diego’s Old Globe Theater, and a one-man show at New York City’s Birdland. Luckily for us, he’ll be heading to California January 29 to present his cabaret show Songs That Raised Me at the Live at the Orinda series. San Francisco Bay Times reporter David Landis had the chance to speak with Sam by phone prior to his Bay Area concert date. He shares some of his thespian inspiration below.

Landis: What does it reveal about you?

Gravitte: (laughing) That’s why you have to come to see it. One of the prompts is, “Why am I an alien?” I’m trying to explore my artistic tendencies and curiosity and answer the question, “What makes Sam Sam?” That question ties nicely into Songs That Raised Me. I was raised by two actors. That came with a certain set of expectations, and rules that were different from most people I grew up around. I was consuming art and music in a deliberate way from a young age, and it crafted my tastes differently. You’ll hear standards, an Appalachian folk song, Broadway – it will feel cohesive in a cool way. What I’m trying to point out is how all these various tastes and interests coalesce into a human being.

Landis: Tell me a little bit about your background. Where were you raised?

Gravitte: I have a twin sister and an older brother. I was born in LA, and lived there 2 years before moving to Connecticut, where I grew up in Ridgefield. That town was full of parents commuting to New York for corporate jobs like finance and IBM.

On the other hand, my mom was flying to London to sing with the symphony orchestra there.

Landis: You played Fiyero on Broadway in Wicked (one of my favorite shows). Do you have a choice moment from that show? And, have you met its composer, Stephen Schwartz?

Gravitte: Yes, I did meet Stephen. He and my mom have been singing together for years. The moment that sticks out to me was re-opening Wicked. It was an incredibly special experience. To stand on stage after 18 months of Broadway being closed, and be one of the first shows to open, was extraordinary. I’ll hold onto that forever. It’s seared into my mind in a really great way. You’re hit with a tidal wave of emotion after the indus try had been eviscerated. To be a part of the slew of shows that was inaugu rating the theatre was a privilege.

Landis: And to have that show be Wicked – a unique show, about two women heroinesmust also have been inspiring.

Gravitte: Yes. I think I’m lucky that I have 2 women in my life that I love so deeply that support me so powerfully: my Mom and my twin sister. I remember the first time I saw Wicked, I was 12; I saw it with my family. My sister was crying at intermission and couldn’t stop. I didn’t understand it at the time. Her experience was one where she as a young woman saw two powerful women in roles in a loving relationship onstage. She saw them stepping into their power and doing what they felt was right – and doing it all through Stephen’s epic score, which was overwhelming. As Fiyero, my job is showing up to support those two women every night. One of my favorite moments is kneeling down and singing, “As Long As You’re Mine.” In a show with a lot to look at, in that moment you find two characters in stillness together onstage. It’s an outlier in a spectacular show.

work that similar set of muscles with a live audience.

Landis: This is your West Coast debut, yes?

Gravitte: Yes, it’s my West Coast concert debut. One of my best friends in the world lives in the Bay Area, so I’m excited to see him (a teammate from lacrosse). I have a ton of friends and family out in the Bay Area. If I didn’t love New York or have to be in LA for work, I would be in the Bay because of the weather. Give me 63 degrees every day of the year!

Broadway World Cabaret award nomination for Best Debut for your show at Birdland. That’s got to be a thrill for a newcomer like you?

Gravitte: I didn’t know about it until Michael Williams (producer at Live at the Orinda) told me! I’m grateful to Jim Caruso and the folks at Birdland for helping me produce the show. I’m excited to see what I discover this time out with the show.

Sam Gravitte: It’s going to be a similar but newer iteration of my Birdland show, with some tweaks here and there. I’m working with Emily Whitaker who will be playing the piano, and jazz guitarist Ravi Campbell. I had this idea while doing Wicked in January 2022. I wanted to do an evening of songs that I loved that felt good in my body. It was a way to refill my artistic cup in the middle of doing a longer run of shows where you do the same thing every night. I wanted to expand my creative palette. I thought, “Why not do a solo show?” It’s way more work than I imagined, but it was a ton of fun to put together. It happened with Jake Landau, my music director at Birdland. He pushed me in cool directions. I was originally going to do an evening of standards. My mom, Debbie, sings. So, I grew up with Frank and Ella and those kinds of voices. I wanted to pay homage to that. Jake wanted to take it a step further. “How can we make this engaging and theatrical, and do an evening that reveals something about you? What could be different?” Jake said, “Let’s do a song cycle, take people out of the cabaret world, show them what you do as an actor in a show, and take them on a journey.” The song cycle is called “The Coin Toss,” and it’s a condensed piece of theatre in the middle of the cabaret show that could stand on its own.

From a very young age, I thought, “What’s her version of life like? That seems very fun and interesting.” I idolized what my parents did.

But I was lucky because I grew up with the first person experience of the difficulties and joys of being an actor.

I came into this life as a professional armed with a little more resilence which I saw built into my parents. My parents were deliberate to encourage me to explore a lot of different interests. I played football, basketball, and lacrosse (which I played in college). I tried to be the best student. I was recruited to play lacrosse at Princeton.

My parents loved that I was interested in being a student, doing sports, and theatre. “The best actor is a smart actor,” my dad Beau told me. “All of that will show up onstage as an actor.”

I majored in public economics and international affairs, but I ended up getting my degree in anthropology. It’s a creative lens I can bring into a rehearsal room.

At Princeton, the most important thing I learned was how to learn. That’s something you can bring into everything you do. As an actor creating a role, at the center is the research part of it - in order to inhabit the role in an honest and full way. The research part of it is something I look forward to. Being armed with more various life knowledge and reference points helps me along the way.

Landis: Your fans want to know. Are you single or married?

Gravitte: I am not married, I’m sort of newly dating someone. It’s been going well, somebody back home. It’s very new.

Landis: What’s your favorite current show on Broadway?

Gravitte: I’m excited for the revival of Sweeney Todd that’s about to open. The most brilliant score ever written, it will be with the original Jonathan Tunick orchestrations. My deep hope is that Josh Groban will not only be great – he’ll be great as well as terrifying. Ain’t No Mo (now closed) is one of the best pieces of contemporary writing I’ve ever seen. Some Like It Hot is a fantastic ode to more classical Broadway, a totally fun evening in the theatre.

Landis: Do you have a favorite singer/actor?

Gravitte: Jeremy Jordan has a transcendent voice; I’ve tried to emulate him. Cynthia Erivo is someone I admire as a singer/actor, and a person who is so intentional about everything that she does as an artist. I’ve always admired actors who can move between media – like Bradley Cooper, Adam Driver, Meryl Streep, and Viola Davis – actors who do films and come and do theatre, too. That is an ideal life, where you can go, shoot movies, do your creative work, and

Babylon Reviled

all reached that level, but here are some others that attempted a recreation of those vibrant times: The Artist, Mank, The Last Tycoon, Show People, Nickelodeon, The Day of the Locust, and Inside Daily Clover

I’m a true fan of Hollywood circa 1920’s and 1930’s. What is more fascinating than an industry just beginning to find its way to tell stories, cast stars, begin techniques that last to this day? Off the silver screen we are men and women, as Gloria Swanson said, “like hummingbirds, flapping our wings as fast as we can to stay in flight.” It was a time of excess, for there were no boundaries yet. It looked like the party would never stop, even in the midst of the Depression. The movies were supplying dreams and escapism. The public itself was falling in love with cinema.

There have been many movies about this period of Hollywood history. Of course, everyone knows about Singin’ in the Rain, the definitive silent-to-talkies musical. That movie was such perfection that my late friend Jacques Mapes, who was the set decorator for it, told me the props used were actually from the vaults of silent movies found at the studio. Not

For later Hollywood, there were some greats like Sunset Blvd, The Bad and the Beautiful, (the underrated) Hollywoodland, and The Player. Even satires like Bowfinger, S.O.B., The Big Knife, In a Lonely Place, The Big Picture, and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood managed to show us the intensity and possibly the laughs as characters roamed the streets of filmdom. All of

these, every single one, is better than Babylon

Damien Chazelle wrote and directed this recent epic. It is almost impossible to believe this is the same filmmaker who gave us my favorite movie of 2016: LaLa Land. In Babylon, Chazelle is creating a world of the debauched and decadent, not at all a problem at this time in Hollywood. Sex parties, drug deaths, murders, alcoholism, and deadly accidents were rampant. No rules, behavioral history

Mars One

and poor Brazilians. What can you say about how his Presidency, which has ended, informed the film?

or unions kept the movie world in line. It was wild. I give a lecture entitled Scandals of Tinseltown reviewing this period that is hot fun and sometimes an orgy or three.

In Babylon, Chazelle mixes it altogether, which sounds wonderful, right? It would be if there was one orgy, but it is repetitive, so that heaving sex and depravity becomes “oh no, not again.” Which would still be okay, if we cared about anyone involved.

For a time and place filled with incredible and colorful characters, the movie glides over them before we know who they are. Chazelle has taken a few interesting back-

stories of John Gilbert, Anna May Wong, and Clara Bow, played by Brad Pitt, Li, Jun Li and Margot Robbie. Because the parts are such quick glimpses, we never connect or care. Only Pitt gets a chance to fill us in, but he cannot save this mess. Jean Smart portrays a columnist, seemingly based on Adela Rogers St. John. Her three-minute scene with Pitt is the best in this three-hour six-minute movie. There are also fine glimpses into early techniques of cinema, if only Chazelle would have concentrated on that instead of his need to shock, titillate and gross out.

We live in a time when a filmmaker can and will show all bodily excrements. It’s all here in Babylon As contrast, we get glimpses of how Hollywood eventually becomes the land of great films and auteurs. That is particularly offensive, since the rest of it assaults, bores, and demeans.

Guess you get the idea this one wasn’t for me. It may be terrific for you, as some of my colleagues have pointed out. I would take my time and money and get to: The Fabelmans, She Said, 13 Lives and just about anything else.

Jan Wahl is a Hollywood historian, film critic on various broadcast outlets, and has her own YouTube channel series, “Jan Wahl Showbiz.” She has two Emmys and many awards for her longtime work on behalf of film buffs and the LGBTQ community. Contact her at www.janwahl.com

Mars One, now streaming on Netflix, is an absorbing drama that depicts the dignity of a lower middle-class Black Brazilian family. Wellington (Carlos Francisco), the patriarch, who works at a luxury apartment building, engenders respect with the manager and his coworkers. His wife, Tércia (Rejane Faria), however, is having a terrible time; after she survives an explosion, she feels she is bringing bad luck on everyone around her. The queer storyline has their daughter Eunice (Camilla Damião) beginning a romance with Joana (Ana Hilario) and preparing to move in with her new girlfriend. Rounding out the family is the youngest, Deivinho (Cícero Lucas), who plays soccer. Wellington wants him to go pro — but he would rather study astrophysics.

Writer/director Gabriel Martins spoke with The San Francisco Bay Times about making his modest and absorbing drama.

Gary M. Kramer: Bolsonaro’s election is the start of the film, and his presidency was very negative towards Black, queer,

Gabriel Martins: We shot the film 2-3 weeks after the election. There was a very disappointed feeling in all our crew and cast. Having that as the current event made sense because I think it’s a film about overcoming adversities, time changes, and new cycles. I didn’t plan to launch this film in 2022 [at Sundance]. Everything that Bolsonaro meant at the time [when we made the film] was stronger, and characters in the family are

in a worse position than they were four years ago. Bolsonaro’s presidency affected how things can take a huge, unexpected turn, and how that can be very bad. In Brazil, before Bolsonaro, we had political turmoil, but it was never so radical. The film is about that resilience that was necessary through that process.

Gary M. Kramer: The characters all find something that motivates them. How did you develop the characters and their desires?

Gabriel Martins: I wanted to create an atmosphere that whoever was watching the film would have to go, bit by bit, inside the story. It’s not spoon-feeding. You go inside the house and into the daily routine of each character. You see how they are working, or studying, and how they are together inside their house, so when things start to happen, you are invested in these characters. I wanted the film to provide this experience of being together with the family. My long editing process was finding that balance within the characters and making a film where no one is wrong or right; you just need to understand where the other person is coming from. It’s a film about listening

and learning how to listen to each other. It is also an invitation to the audience. I rely on long closeups to focus on the reaction of another person. You wear the other person’s shoes for a while. The motivations are distributed in a way that complement each other. This is a family of dreamers, and they encounter obstacles. They try to achieve happiness, but the happiness of one can encounter the obstacle of another. When I wrote the title, I was thinking about something that might or might not be achievable. The title is a motivation — why we wake up every day, why we get out of bed, and go to work. Mars One encapsulates a lot of things — it can be very specific or broad, like just being happy.

Gary M. Kramer: The film depicts the relationship between Eunice and Joana in a very sensitive way. We feel their relationship develop and their coming out scene is sweet and discrete. What decisions did you make

regarding the depiction of their relationship?

Gabriel Martins: I wanted to write this character [Eunice] who moves away from home, which generates a spark between her and her family who may not be supportive. I also wanted to tell a story about someone who has a world and an identity that is different from mine. It was very natural to me to have [sexuality] as a characteristic, but I wanted the story to be about more than that. The conflict with Eunice is not only coming out, but her cutting ties and starting a new family. She wants her old family to be part of it, but her leaving generates a lot of silences. I am interested in that. It’s deeper than portraying her coming out as a tragedy, which is something I am not interested in. It is not the experience my friends have told me about. What we don’t see in films is the silences that hurt. I never thought about her being straight. Her identity is just part of her life.

Ennio: The Living Paper Cartoon Returns to San Francisco’s Club Fugazi

The art of living origami meets hilarious theatre when Club Fugazi brings ENNIO: The Living Paper Cartoon to the stage this month (while its resident show Dear San Francisco takes a short hiatus).

In a little over an hour, audiences are taken on an hysterical whirlwind journey through pop culture as original quick-change artist Ennio Marchetto miraculously morphs into more than 60 characters from the world of music, movies, works of art, and world leaders – all through wildly inventive paper costumes.

This international hit will play four weeks only, now through February 5, at the delightful Club Fugazi in the heart of San Francisco’s North Beach, 678 Green Street. Drinks and small bites are available while enjoying the show.

When last seen in San Francisco 11 years ago, ENNIO captured raves from local critics, including the highest rating (Leaping Man) from the San Francisco Chronicle, which proclaimed “It isn’t just the number or bewildering variety of characters that Italian supermime Ennio Marchetto impersonates

that make his solo show so entertaining. Nor is it the astonishing skill he demonstrates in the course of a hilaritypacked hour. What makes ENNIO such a unique delight is the

way one routine unfolds from another.

ENNIO plays like a one-man Beach Blanket Babylon.” San Francisco Examiner concurred, describing the work as “An immensely entertaining, pleasurable, playful evening. A dream of a show.”

With a cast of characters ranging from Marilyn Monroe and the Mona Lisa to Lizzo, Lady Gaga, Harry Styles, Miley Cyrus, and many more, Marchetto gleefully unfurls one icon after the next, sometimes evolving in mere seconds with an onstage a sleightof-hand.

Those with older sensibilities may recognize Lotte Lenya, Peggy Lee, and Maria Callas. Kids will get glimpses of a few animated heros –they all zip past in delightful vignettes, just long enough to make you laugh. Imagine the marvel of watching a hard-cranking Bruce Springsteen morph before your eyes into a beauteous Dolly Parton, happily bouncing astride her own pony. (But telling any more would deprive the reader of the bliss of the unexpected; we will leave you to discover the joys of his outrageously unexpected transformations.)

Praised by Time Out London as “A sustained hour of heaven from an entertainer touched by genius” and by The

New York Times as “An absolute hoot,” the show promises a wild cultural ride told entirely through music, over the top looks, and inspired lunacy. A perfect night out with friends, great for all ages.

ENNIO: The Living Paper Cartoon is playing now through February 5 at Club Fugazi (678 Geen St., San Francisco). Tickets ($35-$69) and information are available at clubfugazisf.com or by calling (415) 273-0600 (box office is open Wed-Sun, noon to curtain/noon–6:00pm on non-show days).

Let’s Talk About Books!

Michele Karlsberg: Happy New Year, Dear Readers!

I am looking forward to bringing you another year of great reads, interviews, excerpts, and original essays. Thank you always for your support.

As each year goes by, the number of backlisted titles increases. Most of the time some of these great reads disappear and are overlooked for years to come. After discussing the importance of backlisted titles, I posted on socials asking writers to send along a title of their own that was overlooked, and also to mention another book that they felt surely needed more attention. Fourteen writers responded and shared many titles that should never be lost on the bookshelves.

This first column of 2023 covers those books. Now head out or go online to your local independent bookstore to buy your next great read. Ready. Set. Go.

Cassandra Langer selected the book of Lesbian erotic poetry Visages of Venus (Painted Pony Press, https://cassandralanger.com). Cassandra’s great read is H.D. and Bryher: An Untold Love Story of Modernism by Susan McCabe.

Aaron Hamburger selected the novel Nirvana is Here (Three Rooms Press, https://aaronhamburger.com) and Michael Alenyikov’s novel is Sorrow’s Drive: A Quartet (Amazon Digital, https://michaelalenyikov.com). They both suggested John Weir’s novel Your Nostalgia Is Killing Me as a must read ( Red Hen Press , https://redhen.org/book_author/john-weir/); John suggested reading Kate Round’s Catboat Road as his great read.

Stephanie Andrea Allen selected the short story collection How to Dispatch a Human: Stories and Suggestions (BLF Press, https://tinyurl.com/yc2m9as9). A favorite of Stefanie’s was Krystal A. Smith’s This Is Not About Love.

Eric Rosswood and Rob Kearny selected he children’s book STRONG illustrated by Nidhi Chanani (Little Brown Books for Young Readers, https://ericrosswood.com). Eric’s great read is Charlotte Sullivan Wild’s Love, Violet.

Jill Dearman selected the historical thriller Jazzed (Vine Leaves Press, https://jilldearman.com). Jill recommended Philip William Stover’s The Beautiful Things Shoppe. Jim Provenzano selected the novel Finding Tulsa (Palm Drive Publishing, https://www.jimprovenzano.com). Jim suggests the late Leslie Cohen’s memoir Audacity of a Kiss as a must read.

Julie R. Enszer brought us Joan Nestle’s A Sturdy Yes Of A People ( Sinister Wisdom, https://www.sinisterwisdom.org/joannestle). One of Julie’s favorite books is Irena Klepfisz’s Her Birth and Later Years.

Philip Clark along with Michael Bronski selected the poetry collection Invisible History: The Collected Poems of Walta Borawski ( Rebel Satori Press, https://tinyurl.com/2uwpta6h). Philip chose The Daring Life and Dangerous Times of Eve Adams as a great read.

Melanie Mitzner selected the novel Slow Reveal (Inanna, https://www.melaniemitzner.com). Melanie’s not to miss is Shuggie Bain by Douglas Steward.

Top of your stack

Lit Snax

For more info and upcoming events: https://www.fabulosabooks.com/

RECOMMENDATIONS FROM BOOK PASSAGE

The Family Outing (nonfiction/memoir - hardbound) by Jessie Hempel Jessi Hempel was raised in a picture-perfect, middleclass American family. But the truth was far from perfect. By the time Jessi reached adulthood, everyone in her family had come out: Jessi as gay, her sister as bisexual, her father as gay, her brother as transgender, and her mother as a survivor of a traumatic experience with a serial killer. Yet coming out was just the beginning, starting a chain reaction of other personal revelations and reckonings that caused each of them to question their place in the world in new and ultimately liberating ways.

In the Time of Our History (fiction- paperback) by Susanne Pari Twelve months after her younger sister Anahita’s death, Mitra Jahani reluctantly returns to her parents’ home in suburban New Jersey to observe the Iranian custom of “The One Year.” Caught in the middle of the family is their mother, Shireen who is torn between her fierce love for her surviving daughter and her loyalty to her husband. The standout literary debut that everyone is talking about, In the Time of Our History is also laced with the richness of ancient and modern Persian culture and politics, in a tale that is both timeless and profoundly relevant.

A Short History of Queer Women (nonfiction humor/paperback) by Kirsty Loehr

Queer women have been written out of history since, well, forever. “But historians famously care about women!”, said no one. From Anne Bonny and Mary Read who sailed the seas together disguised as pirates, to US football captain Megan Rapinoe declaring “You can’t win a championship without gays on your team”, via countless literary salons and tuxedos, A Short History of Queer Women sets the record straight on women who have loved other women through the ages.

Upcoming Events

Tuesday, Jan. 17 @ 6:00 pm ( Free-SF Public Library) - Amy Tan & Susan Pari - Women in Rebellion: Daughters of Immigrants on Defying the Double Bind Longtime friends Susanne Pari and Amy Tan share how their fiction captures the many ways in which women raised by immigrants rebel against familial and societal norms. A discussion and Q&A with the audience will follow. After the presentation, Book Passage will host a signing for Susanne Pari’s novel In the Time of Our History and Amy Tan’s memoir, Where the Past Begins.

Saturday, Jan. 21 @ 3:00 pm (Free- SF Ferry Building) Myra Strober and Abby Davisson authors of Money and Love Money & Love: An Intelligent Roadmap for Life’s Biggest Decisions is a guide for navigating life’s most consequential and daunting decisions using research-based insights road-tested in a popular Stanford University course. Should I move in with this person? Should I quit my job? When is the “right time” to have another child? All these life-altering questions at the juncture of money and love can be overwhelming. Often, we answer them either by staying overly rational or by only listening to our – at times fickle – hearts.

Thursday, Jan. 26 @ 5:00 pm (Ticketed Online Event) Paul Auster and Spencer Ostrander authors of Bloodbath Nation The program includes an intimate and powerful rumination on American gun violence by Paul Auster, one of our greatest living writers and “genuine American original” (The Boston Globe), in an unforgettable collaboration with photographer Spencer Ostrande.

Like most American boys of his generation, Paul Auster grew up playing with toy six-shooters and mimicking the gun-slinging cowboys in B-Westerns. A skilled marksman by the age

Leave Signs

As a kid I loved listening to my family talk about heartbreak, surprises, outrages, faithless lovers, economic woes, etc. while I cleverly pretended not to be listening. I eagerly absorbed neighborhood info and wisdom about how assorted people navigated their joy or trauma. I think that’s what has always drawn me to “Agony Aunts” columns, advice columns published in newspapers, magazines, and digitally on-line.

Of course, it started for me with the Jewish columnists from Minnesota: Dear Abby by Pauline Friedman Phillips, and Ann Landers by Esther Friedman Lederer. Their syndi-

Jewelle Gomez

“Agony Aunts”

been true . Robinson Crusoe author Daniel Defoe was one of the first in the 1700s. And not only white outlets featured advice columns. Princess Mysteria was a popular column in Chicago’s Black newspaper, The Defender, in the 1920s.

Julia Golia’s book entitled Newspaper Confessions: A History of Advice Columns in a Pre-Internet Age has more scintillating tidbits.

Now every Sunday I turn to Philip Galanes’ column Social Q’s in The New York Times Style section. What to do when your girlfriend is Jewish and you discover your mother is intractably antiSemitic? How to stop your ex from using your online passwords to stream movies? Galanes brings such empathy and intellect to his responses that I even bought his book. I always feel I’ve learned some new life-skill from his thoughtful answers.

Chancellor of the Klingon High Council!

Dear Prudence, one of many on-line columns, is now written for Slate by Jenée Desmond-Harrison, and often has amusing questions: Are my in-laws trying to steal my dog? Her answers are always spot on and direct.

cated columns counseled people on issues like navigating interfering inlaws, dealing with handsy bosses or accepting a lesbian daughter. They were almost always surprisingly progressive. Both sisters have since gone to the great escritoire in the sky; but their success (more than 90 million readers each) ensures that the tradition lives on.

While the name “agony aunts” implies that the columns were written only by women, that’s never

The New York Times Magazine held a kind of audition in print for a new writer of the column The Ethicist. I was thrilled when Kwame Anthony Appiah was chosen to take over because he brings a slightly different background/viewpoint (philosopher, novelist, British, Ghanaian, gay). His responses are expansive and sensitive, never pedantic. What to do with your mother’s ashes if your father has asked his be mixed with hers but time and distance make it impractical? It’s good to know that a “wish” isn’t a contract, and more importantly, we learn to eschew guilt and get on with life.

Bonus Advice from Judge John Hodgman, also in The New York Times Magazine, is snappy and amusing. Who gets to name the second cat in a household? Hodgman’s responses are always witty, and how to resist his knowledge of obscure facts like the name of

I used to wonder, “Who are these people writing to strangers rather than talking to their friends?” But sometimes young people feel they can’t talk to anyone about their confusions: being queer, having straight hair, being too short, approaching a crush. Or adults are too embarrassed to reveal themselves to friends. So anonymous columns are perfect.

I think I still read them, including Dear Abby now penned by her daughter Jeanne Phillips, because it’s like deliberately listening to the conversations of my relatives and picking up nuggets of information about life. Or, having my finger on the pulse of the country. Or, maybe it’s just a short attention span exacerbated by too much Instagram?

Jewelle Gomez is a lesbian/feminist activist, novelist, poet, and playwright. She’s written for “The Advocate,” “Ms. Magazine,” “Black Scholar,” “The San Francisco Chronicle,” “The New York Times,” and “The Village Voice.” Follow her on Instagram and Twitter @VampyreVamp

Favorite Restaurants For 2023

regularly. The knockdown Golden Gate Bridge and Bay view thankfully stays the same.

North Block Restaurant, Yountville:

The Gay Gourmet

It’s become a tradition for The Gay Gourmet to capture some of my favorite restaurants to visit in the New Year. Here are some of my top picks from the past year, with a couple of new suggestions added, that I’d recommend readers try in 2023.

Fable: this Castro mainstay is a tropical vacation within the heart of the City. Although it’s been there for years, its lush, heated outdoor courtyard has gotten even

AsiaSF: for an evening out on the town, it just doesn’t get any better than AsiaSF. It’s one of the oldest transgender restaurant/bars in the country. Dinner and a show takes on a new twist here, with a tasty three-course Asian-fusion meal, a surprisingly diverse wine list and crafty cocktails (named after the waitstaff). It’s all served by the transgender “ladies of AsiaSF,” who perform for your pleasure on the runway stage.

Mitchell’s Ice Cream: a San Francisco ice cream favorite since 1953, these homemade 16% butterfat treats aren’t just your typical vanilla. They’re the first ice cream shop to feature such unique flavors as macapuno, ube, and mango. There’s often a line, so show up early. Or better yet, make new friends as you’re waiting for these luscious desserts.

Scoma’s: the best seafood on Fisherman’s Wharf (under the guidance of chef Gordon Drysdale), Scoma’s delights in a retroFrank Sinatra way. In season, the Dungeness crab is

North Block is set in a courtyard at a charming hotel straight out of old Europe with a contemporary indoor design (and a lovely outdoor patio). In a town filled with Michelin star restaurants, this under-the-radar choice is one of my new preferred and approachable restaurants in Yountville. The Hamachi starter with Buddha’s head fruit, the Korean-style pork ribs, a divine and juicy “duck a la gray,” and the burnt Mt. Tam cheesecake all are highlights. A varied wine list and full bar complete the offerings at this fine eatery.

Wilfred’s Lounge, Napa: my loyal readers know I’m a sucker for a great Mai Tai and Wilfred’s serves one of the best. It’s the real McCoy, using Trader Vic’s original 1944 recipe. The setting is a tiki-inspired dreamscape right on the Napa river in downtown Napa. Rum drinks and island-inspired small bites are the star of this show, but the Polynesian décor and the outdoor riverview deck make for a great getaway.

dogs and the humans who love them.

better with time. Lunch or brunch is fun for the buzz (and the sun) and the California cuisine (think a tasty Cobb salad, and a great veggie burger or satisfying smashburger) is perfectly executed.

Rooh: elevated and contemporary Indian cuisine in a setting (outdoors or indoors) that is design-forward and sophisticated. Artisanal cocktails start the evening off on a bright note. Some of my dinner favorites include edamame fava kebab with huckleberry jam, sugar pea broth, and pea shoots; and the restaurant’s take on traditional butter chicken. Come with a big appetite, as the portions are splittable. Rooh has locations both in San Francisco and Palo Alto.

Greens: with young and talented chef Katie Reicher at the helm, Greens is better than ever. At this gourmet vegetarian restaurant, everything’s super fresh – either from the Ferry Market, local purveyors, or their own Green Gulch Farms. The innovative menu offers a variety of upscale vegan, glutenfree and vegetarian choices (plus, homemade pastries) and changes

among the best, but the homemade clam chowder always shines, as well as whatever fish is fresh that day. That’s partly because Scoma’s has their own fish receiving station right on the bay. Plus, in San Francisco, there’s free valet parking! Scoma’s has an additional location in Sausalito, also on the Bay.

La Balena, Carmel: one of the best restaurants in Carmel, this Italian indoor-outdoor eatery is neighborhood-y but surprises with authentic homemade pastas alongside seafood and steaks. The wine list presents both wellknown and lesser-known great Italian wines.

Owner Emanuele Bartolini hails from Florence, but trained with some of the best chefs in Manhattan at Le Cirque and also with Mario Batali and Alain Ducasse.

12 , 2023

The Trident, Sausalito: a throwback to the beatnik days of the 50’s and the hippie days of the 60’s, The Trident sits on the dock of the Bay in Sausalito with a view to die for. Fresh seafood, great tacos, straight-from-thegarden salads, and marvelous drinks (they re-invented the Tequila Sunrise here) are mainstays. You might even be lucky enough to witness a celebrity sighting of my San Francisco Bay Times columnist colleague and Trident regular, Jan Wahl.

Harris’ Restaurant: a beef eater’s dream and San Francisco’s homage to the great steakhouses of the 50’s and 60’s. Superb corn-fed filet mignon, retro cocktails served in a mini-carafe with a personalized tub of ice, great service, and sides that will make you think of those glamorous Continental restaurants of yesteryear.

Berber: who doesn’t love an affordable Moroccan dinner featuring a cirquedu-soleil style show, starting at $95? When it’s North African-inspired, with all those unique spices to enhance the flavors, all the better. Plus, the restaurant has a beautiful parklet on Broadway and presents semi-regular weekend Bone Jour brunches just for

Ristobar: happily, this elegant Italian offering from Emporio Rulli has reopened at the corner of Chestnut and Scott St. The re-designed, glamorous interior with the hand painted ceiling is made for bigger parties at hightops, but they also have a private, more intimate, room in the back. The outdoor parklet fronts both Scott and Chestnut streets. Look for authentic Italian offerings such as arancini with wild mushrooms, organic butter lettuce with pine nut-pomegranate and citrus dressing, some of the lightest and crispiest fritto misto in town and an always fresh fish of the day. With hard-to-find Italian wines on offer and a service staff that makes you feel at home, you can’t miss.

Rosemary & Pine: I’ll be writing soon about this new design district gem from Michelin-starred chef Dustin Falcon. Suffice it to say, put this California cuisine restaurant on your “go-to” list. Gorgeous courtyard, luscious double-cut pork chops, bintje potatoes, inventive pastas and creative cocktails make this a restaurant to watch.

Montesacro Marina: the Marina outpost of the original Montesacro on Stevenson St. downtown, this authentic Roman mini-chain bills itself as “America’s first pinseria.” They feature the now popular pinsas, an oval

version of a regular pizza made with soy, rice, and wheat flour; and they’re topped with everything from mortadella to tomato and sausage. Pastas include one of the best carbonaras (with crispy guanciale) in town. The indoor design is modern and clean and the outdoor parklet on Steiner St. is welcoming to dogs. Don’t miss the homemade Italian breads and pastries, as well as a wine list featuring unusual Italian varieties, plus a full bar. Montesacro also has locations in Walnut Creek and Brooklyn.

Maybeck’s: the team from Baker & Banker (Lori Baker and Jeff Banker) and chef/owner Aaron Toensing have re-united to reopen this stylish supper club in the Marina. Monkey bread, grilled avocado, and seared local black cod are on the menu. Better yet, the restaurant’s popular Beef

Wellington Wednesdays are back once more.

And one more: I haven’t been yet, but the buzz about Chez Noir in Carmel – from husband and wife chefs Jonny and Monique Black –is certainly piquing much interest. The establishment describes itself as modern, but seafood-centric. It’s on my radar to try this year. Stay tuned.

There you have it! There’s always a lot to celebrate when it comes to places to dine in the San Francisco Bay Area. I look forward to helping guide you through the New Year.

Bits and Bites: I had the pleasure of being introduced to BLK & Bold, an AfricanAmerican owned coffee roastery which donates to at-risk youth, including Sunset Youth Services in San Francisco. The packaging is eye-popping and I had my test taster Brianne try their medium roast. Here’s what she had to say: “BLK & Bold medium roast is a

delicious bright morning brew. It has notes of honey and butterscotch and a very mellow flavor with none of that lingering coffee aftertaste you can get with darker roasts. Perfect for the ‘I need coffee, but I don’t really like coffee’ and the ‘Mornings aren’t really me’ person.”

Chef Eric Huang is coming back to Turntable at Lord Stanley this January to feed San Franciscans more of his deliciously addictive chili fried chicken and introduce his salted egg fried chicken. After last February’s residency at Turntable, Huang returned to Brooklyn to successfully open a Pecking House brick and mortar in Brooklyn. He heads back to the Bay Area to arm the to-go window at Turntable through January 28 with more of his mouthwatering chicken, sides, and sandwiches.

Nonprofit Plant Futures is sponsoring its annual symposium, “Paving Plant-Based Pathways: Empowering the Next Generation of Food System Leaders,” which takes place

January 28-29 at UC Berkeley (and will be live streamed). Marion Nestle, professor and award winning author, is the keynote speaker. Other speakers include Priera Panescu, senior scientist at the Good Food Institute; AJ Albrecht, managing director at Mercy for Animals; and Nivi Jaswal,President of The Virsa Foundation Inc. Ticket sales benefit Plant Futures. Fable: https://www.fablesf.com/ Rooh: https://ww w.roohrestaurant s com/ Greens: https://greensrestaurant.com/ AsiaSF: https://asiasf.com/ Mitchell’s Ice Cream: https://mitchellsicecream.com/ Scoma’s: https://scomas.com/ La Balena: https://www.labalenacarmel.com/ North Block Restaurant: https://tinyurl.com/2s3tfsfk Wilfred’s Lounge: https://wilfredslounge.com/

The Trident: https://www.thetrident.net/ Harris’ Restaurant: https://www.harrisrestaurant.com/ Berber: https://www.berbersf.com/ Rosemary & Pine: https://tinyurl.com/2s488cde Chez Noir: https://www.cheznoircarmel.com/ Maybeck’s: https://www.maybecks.com/ BLK & Bold: https://blkandbold.com/ Turntable at Lord Stanley: https://www.lordstanleysf.com/

Plant Futures: https://tinyurl.com/35eehaez Montesacro Marina: https://montesacro.com/ Ristobar: https://www.ristobarsf.com/

David Landis, aka “The Gay Gourmet,” is a foodie, a freelance writer, and a retired PR maven. Follow him on Instagram @GayGourmetSF, or email him at: davidlandissf@gmail.com Or visit him online at: www.gaygourmetsf.com

San Francisco Bay Golden Gate Business

At the Toast of the Season Holiday Party, co-hosted and the SF Bay Times on December 13, at The Academy, Kippy Marks performed holiday tunes on his electronic presented by Olivia Travel, also filled the venue’s

SF Bay Times contributors, the legendary Donna and television personality Liam Mayclem, emceed Archuleta-Perkins and Ambassador Olga Garcia organizations.

San Francisco Fire Chief Jeanine Nicholson and as special guests to bring remarks and holiday wishes. Golden State Warriors staffers, led by public relations a Klay Thompson jersey to the “winning” participant she expressed appreciation on behalf of the Warriors port for the team’s annual Pride Night games held

Partygoers enjoyed holiday-themed cocktails crafted and desserts served throughout The Academy, presented Méditerranée Noe.

Sponsors for the evening were Celebrity Cruises, Moving, Inc, Olivia Travel, and SF Federal Credit tains for the evening were GGBA’s Alesia Massey appeared as “The Grinch” and other personas.

Bay Times & Business Association

co-hosted by the Golden Gate Business Association Academy, internationally known musician electronic violin. DJs Christie and Rockaway, venue’s multiple spaces with seasonal music.

Donna Sachet and Emmy Award-winning radio emceed the evening. GGBA President Tony Garcia welcomed guests on behalf of the co-hosting

and Supervisor Rafael Mandelman were on hand wishes.

relations executive Vanessa Gonzalez, presented participant in a free raffle drawing. Additionally, Warriors for LGBTQ community member’ supheld at Chase Center.

crafted by Team Bacardi and savory menu items presented by sponsors Extreme Pizza and La

Cruises, xfinity, Berber, Golden State Warriors, CG Credit Union and ellaprint. Volunteer team capMassey and SF Bay Times’ Juan R. Davila who

Sister Dana sez, “We’re less than two weeks into 2023. So have we already broken our New Year’s Resolutions? No worries. Just take my do-over resolution: “I resolve to be the best me I can be in ’23.’ It’s foolproof!”

We went to the SF LGBT Center to meet with AGUILAS on December 7 as they unveiled the AEGIS sculpture in memorial to the 49 victims murdered in a mass shooting at PULSE , the gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida, that occurred on June 12, 2016. Gay, immigrant, Latinx, Brazilian, and SF-based artist Wilson Ferreira designed the powerful piece. We heard additional remarks about the memorial from Eduardo Morales, Ph.D., Founder, AGUILAS; Renato M. Talhadas, Program Director, AGUILAS; and Jen Valles, Director of Programs, SF LGBT Center. The design of Aegis consists of a V-shaped shield engraved with the victims’ names. The 49 markings embedded in the metal shield that dissipates on its two sides also represent the victims murdered at Pulse.

SISTER ROMA’S DIAMOND BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION paid loving tribute at Oasis on December 14 to the beloved San Francisco legend turning 60! We celebrated Sister Roma - drag nun, activist, fundraiser, event host, my dear friend for 35 years “in the Habit,” and so much more. I am happy to report that I still keep my souvenir “ I Roasted Sister Roma!” hand fan – in honor of her 25th Anniversary with The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, when we “fanned the flames” to roast her at the Supper Club on June 20, 2012. But this 2022 night was not

a roast. We mixed and mingled with surprise celebrity guests, heard heartfelt testimonials, and enjoyed command performances by some of Roma’s favorite performers including Mahlae Balenciaga, Dulce de Leche, Juicy Liu, Alex U. Inn, Empress Tilly, Madd Dogg 20/20, Bionka Simone, Ethylina Canne, Alotta Boutté, Steven Satyricon, Nicki Jizz, Rory Davis, Andrew Slade, and The Baloney Boys

This was a fun fundraiser for The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence – hosted by Heklina and Michael “Shante” Youens with Honey Mahogany, Peaches Christ, D’Arcy Drollinger, Juanita More!, BeBe Sweetbriar, Donna Sachet, Alex U. Inn, and Michael Kuehl Certificates of Honor and Recognition were presented to Roma from Senator Scott Wiener and Supervisor Rafael Mandelman We Sisters gave a blessing, and then Officially Sainted D’Arcy and made the Oasis our Certified Sanctuary. For no reason at all, I think I might mention that Sister Dana’s alter ego, Dennis McMillan, turned 75 on January 1, 2023; and Dennis’ “altar” ego has served as a nun for 37 years. The SF SPI Order began on Easter Sunday 1979. I just have to say that I am so blessed to have Sister Roma in my life! Amen!

Elliott C Nathan held his SAN FRANCISCO GALLERY EXHIBITION opening reception at the 2358 Market gallery on December 8. Viewing his marvelous modern art pieces, visitors got to put on 3D glasses to make the art truly POP! I really enjoyed the series of jellyfish-like creatures because their eyes follow your movement around the room. I was particularly drawn to serial #A55 with its phallic depiction. And with serial #A52, I was “hung up” on the old fashioned rotary telephone piece. The artist told me if viewers wanted their own 3D spectacles, they should contact him at https://www.elliottcnathan.com/

Then on January 5, 2358MRK (2358 Market Street) held a reception to display 17 amazing artists from the Bay Area, including Nathan. But

my fave artist is Clint Frederic Wiater with three of his encaustic pieces: “Iconic Castro” with the famous Castro Theatre neon sign; “Spirit of the Bay” including the well known Ghirardelli sign; and “The Fight Isn’t Over” depicting every imaginable protest placard to warm any activist’s heart. The entire show will continue through January 15. https://www.2358mrkt.com/ Sister Dana sez, “Regarding Trump selling his hideous NFTs online while running for President – I heard the greatest holiday movie pun: ‘This is HOW THE GRIFT STOLE CHRISTMAS.’ I guess the usual GREEN Grinch is now ORANGE!”

We were so excited to be invited to a special screening of ELVIS at CGV San Francisco on December 11. This was a “Golden Globe: For Your Consideration” viewing. The screening was followed by a Q&A with director/ producer / writer Baz Luhrmann and re-recording mixer Michael Keller. Spanning over 30 years, ELVIS explores Presley the artist and the man - through love, loss, his unprecedented rise to fame and the complex dynamic with manager Colonel Tom Parker - set against the backdrop of America’s evolving cultural landscape and the timeless music he gave the world.

DANCE-ALONG NUTCRACKER was a holiday experience unlike anything else! Each year, the glorious SAN FRANCISCO LESBIAN/ GAY FREEDOM BAND blends Tchaikovsky’s classic The Nutcracker ballet with an entertaining theme. The result is a fun-filled original musical production brimming with wit, artistry, and ingenuity. This year, the talented cast emoted, sang, and danced their way through a parody version of the Nutcracker, SNOWBOUND – when a blizzard hit San Francisco on December 17 &18 at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts. Actual (fake) snow fell from the ceiling. What joy after intermission to see the Band return in a parade wearing festive costumes! And when the “Dance Along!” sign flashed, the audience (some in rented tutus) pranced along with the cast. Sister Dana obviously did not appear classically trained in his attempt at ballet, but at least nobody threw snowballs at me! And I got to lead folx up and out of their chairs into a lively conga line. We rhythmically snaked along the aisles to the rousing music of the Band!

Warning from Senator Scott Wiener: “The homophobe squad has descended on the Castro, telling us we’re going to hell because we’re LGBTQ.” He then stated sarcastically, “Super classy to disrupt a fun community event and lecture

us how to live our lives.” Sister Dana sez, “Calling all drag queens, nuns, and fellow freaks! Come to the Castro and be as authentic and outrageous as you can be!

The CONGRESSIONAL LGBTQ EQUALITY CAUCUS has released its Inaugural Report on The Condition of LGBTQ+ People in the United States. Spearheaded by Chair of the Equality Caucus Representative David N. Cicilline, the report summarizes data relating to the experiences of the LGBTQ community in four key areas: Education, Economic Security, Health Care, and Housing. The report is intended to educate the public on the significant disparities LGBTQ people experience and to serve as a benchmark by which the country can judge its progress on LGBTQ rights in the years to come. Read the press release at https://tinyurl.com/5abb5b8e

Sister Dana sez, “The Insurrection of January 6 th has come and gone, but on this two-year anniversary of the attack – is our democracy in any less peril?”

Twice-impeached former president Darn Old Trump has told LGBTQ Republicans that he and other conservatives will be “fighting hard” for them during his 2024 presidential campaign. Meanwhile, Trump is the most anti-LGBTQ president of all time. Trump made his pledge at the “Spirit of Lincoln” 45th anniversary gala of the queer conservative group The Log Cabin Republicans in his Mara- Loco hideout – just two days after President Biden signed the RESPECT FOR MARRIAGE ACT. Sister Dana sez, “Isn’t the title of ‘Gay Republican’ an oxymoron?!”

On December 24, SAN FRANCISCO GAY MEN’S CHORUS (SFGMC) rang in the holiday season with its Christmas Eve tradition of over 30 years, Holiday Spectacular: Home for the Holidays. We enjoyed all the holiday favorites, including “Jingle Bells” and “I’ll Be Home for Christmas;” silly songs like “Sugar and Booze;” classical choral works such as Sure on this Shining Night ; but mostly I was thrilled with lighthearted originals – especially their holiday-themed Cher medley. Yes, I said CHER! Fabulous!!! Each time, a different drag Cher did everything from “Turn Back Time” to “Believe” to “I Got You Babe.” The entire show was choreographed to perfection – including tap dancing. There were costumes galore. And quite moving was their “Silent Night” done in sign language and complete silence. There was naughty humor of course, including their “Big Santa,” the Chorus’ “Santa-ized” version of “Big Spender”

hearkening me back decades ago when I used to be a male stripper dancing to that sweet number from Sweet Charity. This show was as advertised: SPECTACULAR !

The now completed Eight Hundred Forty-Five Page JANUARY 6 TH FINAL REPORT definitely proves Trump was planning a coup a month before the January 6 insurrection. By December 7th, Trump had decided to pursue the fake elector gimmick. He had a “multi-part plan to overturn the election,” according to the 18 month long investigation. And even though it was entitled the “FINAL REPORT,” more transcripts keep coming in. Sister Dana sez, “It is finally time to fit the Big Orange Ogre into a matching big orange jumpsuit!”

Lockdown Comedy is on Zoom on January 19 featuring Keith Lowell Jensen (Sacramento), Eve Meyer (SF), Brett Jennings (Marin), and “ The Geduldig Sisters” – Lockdown producer Lisa Geduldig and her 91 year young mother, Arline Geduldig (Florida). Since the monthly shows still cater to audiences of some 50100 people monthly throughout the US and some internationally, and since the pandemic is not yet over, the show will continue on Zoom for the foreseeable future.

https://www.koshercomedy.com/

Sister Dana sez, “As more and more lies are being exposed regarding Republican New York Congressman-Elect George Santos, the only lie I want to be revealed is that he is NOT GAY!”

January 21, 11:30am to 2pm is the RALLY AND MARCH FOR REPRODUCTIVE

RIGHTS!

Gather at the Phillip Burton Federal Courthouse, 450 Golden Gate Avenue to rally. Then march together the short distance to Civic Center where the Walk for Life West Coast will hold its annual rally. Green is the symbolic color for abortion rights - in case you want to incorporate it into your look.

TWELFTH NIGHT is the official start of Mardi Gras season annually celebrated 12 days after Christmas. On January 8, KREWE DE KINQUE wore Mardi Gras masks, discussed details on our upcoming BAL MASQUE XX, paid tribute to our “Saints Above” members who have passed, held a New Years Wish candle ceremony, and we toasted the current King & Queen. “Let the good times roll!”

Sister Dana sez, “Happy LUNAR NEW YEAR on Sunday, January 22, Year of the Rabbit! Hop to it!

Sister Roma’s 60th Diamond Birthday Celebration

On Wednesday, December 14th, Oasis owner D’Arcy Drollinger and emcee Heklina opened the doors at Oasis welcoming a sellout crowd comprised of diverse personalities and identities, all of whom had arrived with a single purpose in mind: celebrating the birthday of their renown friend whose very large persona has been known to stop a show and drop the jaw of onlookers.

Immediately prior to the opening of the evening’s

program, volunteer coordinator Juan R. Davila, on behalf of the San Francisco Bay Times, delivered into the hands of “the Nun of the Hour” a double extra large sized bouquet of colorful flowers in a multitude of sizes and fragrances. Sister Roma’s response, captured by the photographers on hand, was priceless. State Senator Scott Wiener and Supervisor Rafael Mandelman were among the elected officials taking the stage at Oasis proclaiming their intent to honor San Francisco’s own self-proclaimed “Most Photographed Nun in the World,” who is known internationally for her tireless work for decades as an LGBTQ community advocate.

Following a ceremonial blessing presented by a crowd of Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence members, a very full program of entertainment commenced featuring command performances by drag personalities Mahlae Balenciaga, Ethylina Canne, Alotta Boutee, Dulce DeLeche, Niki Jizz, Alex U. Inn, Bionka Simone and more. Attendees, in groups representing the many roles of Sister Roma, sat transfixed by the show and breaking spontaneously into applause and cheers. Led by the Host Committee — Heklina, Michael “Shante” Youens, Peaches Christ, Juanita mORE!, Bebe Sweetbriar, Donna Sachet. Alex U. Inn, Michael Kuehl, Honey Mahogany and D’Arcy Drollinger — the celebration was proclaimed to be one of the most

Speaking to Your Soul

ARIES (March 21–April 19)

Clarify your vision for this year and beyond. Check in with your most authentic self and steer your ship in the direction of your highest truth.

TAURUS (April 20–May 20)

Use the gift of your voice to say what you know to your community. What you offer is what the world needs.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20)

A fresh landscape can reinvigorate your good senses. The atmosphere crackles with potential. Synchronicities guide you.

Astrology

CANCER (June 21–July 22)

Your first responsibility must be to your authenticity. Then you are able to truly show up responsibly in your relations. The great mystery unfolds organically as you do so.

LEO (July 23–August 22)

Establish necessary boundaries around your freedom within the context of relationships. Then you can show up more whole, with greater integrity, and with room for spontaneity.

by letting spontaneity rule. An idea whose time has come is floating overhead, waiting for you to open up.

SCORPIO (October 23–November 21)

When the ground feels uncertain, that which would crumble apart reveals a far greater field of existence that holds you as its own.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22–December 21)

What stimuli from the environment captures your attention? Make conscious choices about what to lower the volume on. You could receive insights and information in unusual ways; perhaps glimpses of possible futures. Share your ideas with others.

CAPRICORN (December 22–January 19)

The planets prompt you to apply effort on behalf of your authentic blueprint. Your life is a thread that holds together the rest of the universe. Take responsibility for yourself and for others by valuing what you offer that is truly you, and putting it forth into the stream of life.

AQUARIUS (January 20–February 18)

Planetary energy at the new year stalled our resolutions. However, by now we have the green light to not only move forward, but in all directions. Psychologically we are ready to make a quantum leap. As we acknowledge our multidimensionality, we gain access to higher perceptions. Our impulse to give voice to them is highly encouraged. In fact, everything depends on it.

LIT SNAX (continued from pg 24)

VIRGO (August 23–September 22)

The focus is on purification and renewal. Trust the process. Develop new habits that support more authentic expression. Humility is a key that unlocks the next door.

LIBRA (September 23–October 22)

Creative ideas can be next level now. The cosmos is pouring in from all directions. Channel it organically

Within you are seeds of what matters from the past. At this auspicious time, you carry those kernels of wisdom forward and plant them into fresh soil to water and nurture. Trust your higher guidance telling you what you’re here to do next. Lead by example.

PISCES (February 19–March 20)

You become a mouthpiece for the collective and for the universal, when you evolve your impressions into form. Gather your energy together and devote yourself to this primary responsibility.

Elisa Quinzi is a certified professional astrologer who brings a strong spiritual perspective, as well as over 20 years of experience, to her work with clients. Contact her at futureselfnow@gmail.com or at 818-530-3366 with your exact birth time to schedule or to ask questions.

SNAPSHOTS

Allen Ellenzweig selected the biography George Platt Lynes: The Daring Eye ( Oxford University Press, https://go.authorsguild.org/members/351). Allen chose Particular Voices: Portraits of Gay and Lesbian Writers by Robert Giard. Jean Roberta Hillabold selected the novel Praire Gothic: A Tale of the Old Millennium (Lethe Press, https://tinyurl.com/mryjtuk). Jean suggests Ediomna, A FantasyAdventure: Tales from the Edomian Mythos, Book 1 by J.M. Kind.

Neil Plakcy selected Being John Church: A Bucks County Mystery (Mahu Books, https://www. mahubooks.com) Neil’s good read is Liebestrasse by Greg Lockard.

Michele Karlsberg Marketing and Management specializes in publicity for the LGBTQ+ community. This year, Karlsberg celebrates 33 years of successful marketing campaigns. For more information: https://www.michelekarlsberg.com

BOOK PASSAGE (continued from pg 24)

of ten, he also lived through the traumatic aftermath of the murder of his grandfather by his grandmother when his father was a child and knows, through firsthand experience, how families can be wrecked by a single act of gun violence. In this short, searing book, Auster traces centuries of America’s use and abuse of guns.

A portion of proceeds from this book will be donated to the Violence Policy Center, a nonprofit organization working to stop gun death and injury through research, education, and advocacy. https://www.bookpassage.com/

(continued from pg 22)

Gary M. Kramer: I love the scene of Eunice and Joana making love and Joana’s blue braids on Eunice’s body. I liked the scene of Deivinho’s accident, which is seen looking up from the ground. How did you conceive of the visuals in the film?

Gabriel Martins: We have a horizontal perspective, which is the story, and things that move the story forward. But we also have a vertical perspective — everything that happens inside the scene, like the braids or Deivinho’s shoes. These elements don’t move the story forward, but you can stop the film for a while and make it look like a painting or something that encapsulates a lot of things in a small moment. It might be cheesy to say its poetic, but it makes sense. The images are telling you everything. Joana’s blue braids bring the ideas of a blue light that surrounds them. You can tell the story, but also stop and think about how an image makes you feel. That’s what I am thinking about when I conceive an image — the feeling.

Gary M. Kramer is the author of “Independent Queer Cinema: Reviews and Interviews,” and the co-editor of “Directory of World Cinema: Argentina.” Follow him on Twitter @garymkramer

GRAVITTE (continued from pg 21)

Landis: What do you like to do in your spare time?

Gravitte: I hold onto the nerd within that got me through Princeton. I love to read. I’m currently reading (psychologist) William James. I’m also reading Steinbeck’s Grapes of Wrath – it’s so hopeful. In addition, I love to bake and cook. I’m a steadfast fan of the “Great British Baking Show”: it’s perfectly delightful wholesome nonsense.

Landis: What’s next for Sam?

Gravitte: I’m also a writer. I have some things in the pipeline that I’m excited about to actualize in the next year. I’m looking forward to TV and film. I’m working on becoming the best artist I can become. And, I’m grateful to the Orinda for having me. It will be great to escape the New York winter, and have a California jaunt.

David Landis studied piano at Northwestern University, worked at Chicago’s Goodman Theatre and Ravinia Festival, and also at the San Francisco Symphony. He even once played Lysander in Shakespeare’s “Midsummer Night’s Dream.” A lifelong theatre and cabaret enthusiast, he spends his spare time playing Sondheim songs for himself at home. In his other life, he writes The Gay Gourmet column for the San Francisco Bay Times

Dance-Along Nutcracker Returns!

The San Francisco Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band’s legendary holiday extravaganza, Dance-Along Nutcracker® , returned for 2022 with a rousing tale entitled Snow Bound. Shows were presented on Saturday and Sunday, December 17 & 18 at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts - Forum.

A willing audience of both veterans and first-timers waited eagerly for the “Dance Along” sign to flash, signaling time to get up and join the crowd of dancers - some wearing tutus, some not; some wearing costumes, some not - who twirled and swayed their way around the dance floor.

Dance-Along Nutcracker, which dates its origins to 1985, is a major annual fundraising event benefitting SFLGFB’s services to the City of San Francisco and the LGBTQ community throughout the year.

Mark your calendars for December 9 & 10, 2023, when an all-new Dance-Along Nutcracker adventure will unfold.

http://www.dancealong-nutcracker.sflgfb.org

Hanukkah Lighting at Jane Warner Plaza

17th Annual Kwanzaa Celebration

Organized by The Village Project and its community partners, the annual Kwanzaa Celebration at San Francisco City Hall was held on December 26. With the program’s theme of Umoja (Unity) and the stated intention to strive for and maintain unity in family, community, nation and race, the program addressed Nguzo Saba (The Seven Principles) of Kwanzaa. In addition to the ritual pouring of libations, the program also included dance and musical performances and remarks by Village Project director Adrian Williams who led the singing of Lift Every Voice & Sing.

Rink Remembers

Crispin Hollings

A memorial service, organized by the San Francisco Sheriff’s Office, was held on at San Francisco City Hall on Friday, January 6, to honor the life of Crispin Hollings who died unexpectedly on November 9. A beloved neighbor living in the Castro, Hollings was a leader in multiple LGBTQ organizations and community service groups. The memorial program included an Honor Guard presentation by colleagues of Hollings from the Sheriff’s office where he was a member of the executive staff. Speakers remembering his life included Sheriff Paul Miyamoto,

CASTRO presented by

STREET CAM

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